Anugola: Talcher police have cracked the murder of Block office accountant Surendra Barik and arrested his wife and her alleged paramour in connection with the killing, police said.
The duo allegedly attacked Barik on the terrace of his rented house and pushed him to his death in an attempt to make the murder appear accidental.
Anugola Superintendent of Police Rahul Jain Monday identified the accused as Barik’s wife, Susmita Barik, 30, alias Puja, and Siddhant Majhi, 25, alias Jipun, of Gadasantri village under Banarpal police limits. Police alleged that Puja and Majhi were in an extramarital relationship and had conspired to eliminate Barik. Barik, who had been working as an accountant at the Talcher Block office for about 18 months, was found dead below his rented house in the Dera area on the morning of September 24. His family later suspected foul play and lodged a complaint. During the investigation, police found that the CCTV cable at the house had been deliberately cut.
Examination of Puja’s mobile phone and digital records revealed alleged communication with Majhi through Instagram. Deleted messages were sent for forensic examination, police said. According to police, Majhi secretly entered the house and hid there after Puja left their two children with the house owner. Puja later allegedly called Barik to the terrace, claiming she had sudden stomach pain. Majhi then allegedly struck Barik on the head with a bamboo stick before pushing him from the roof.
Police said the accused attempted to clean bloodstains and conceal the weapon and other evidence to make the death appear accidental or suicidal. The bamboo stick, a knife allegedly used to cut the CCTV cable, an iron rod, clothes, a mobile phone and a motorcycle were seized. Further investigation is underway.