Patana: Police have arrested nine people, including three minors, in connection with the murder of businessman Trilochan Mohant, the husband of a woman constable posted at Patana police station in Kendujhar district.
Over a month after the murder, police reconstructed the crime scene Friday at Kendeiposhi market and the spot where Mohant was killed. The exercise was conducted under tight security amid protests by hundreds of local residents demanding stringent action against the accused.
The police faced considerable difficulty in controlling the crowd and ensuring the safety of the arrested suspects. More than 7,000 people reportedly gathered at the two locations, with some demanding the death penalty for the accused.
The crime scene recreation was consequently completed within a short time. Kendujhar Superintendent of Police Kushalkar Nitin Dagudu told reporters that 10 teams, led by 10 experienced officers, had been formed to crack the case. The nine accused were arrested Friday. Their identities have not been disclosed for legal reasons.
Three of them are minors and all are residents of the Purbakot area of Jajpur district. The SP said further arrests would be made to trace those allegedly directing the criminal operation. He warned that criminals involved in offences in Kendujhar would not be spared, even if they fled outside the state. According to police, the accused allegedly planned the robbery and murder in advance.
They had reportedly conducted firing September 27 as part of their preparations. Police have seized photographs linked to the alleged planning. Mohant, 42, was returning home on his motorcycle on the night of 28 September after closing his Jan Seva Kendra and electronics business at Kendeiposhi market.
At around 10:22 pm, he was allegedly intercepted near Hanuman Chhak in a secluded forest stretch near Khuntapa da on the Kendeiposhi-Patana road. The assailants allegedly attempted to rob him, leading to a struggle.
They attacked him with sharp weapons at five places and fired three rounds, killing him. His laptop and a bag containing cash were reportedly looted. Police registered a case (255/26) at Turumunga police station and formed special teams to investigate the murder.
During the crime scene reconstruction, Mohant’s mother, Lakshmi, and sister, Tapaswini, demanded severe punishment for those responsible. The SP also visited the bereaved family and assured them of all possible legal assistance and further arrests.