Odisha Police on Sunday apprehended the key accused in a high-profile kidnapping linked to the coal mafia in Bhadrak district.
The victim, Pratap Behera of Marapur village under Sabarang police limits, was rescued from a hideout in Mayurbhanj with multiple injuries.
According to police sources, Behera was abducted in the early hours of June 5 after allegedly receiving several threats. The kidnappers—suspected coal mafia affiliates—used multiple vehicles, including a Bolero, a Hyundai car, a Dzire, and two motorcycles, to carry out the abduction.
The incident drew swift intervention after Behera’s wife reported the matter to DIG Satyajit Naik of the Eastern Range, Balasore. A coordinated police operation led to Behera’s rescue and the arrest of Bhagaban Das alias Baya, the primary accused, who was nabbed from Jajpur.
Authorities revealed that Behera has identified several perpetrators involved in the crime, many of whom are known associates of the regional coal mafia. He is currently undergoing treatment after initial admission to Bhadrak District Headquarters Hospital and subsequent transfer to Cuttack for advanced care.
A formal case has been registered against the arrested accused, and further investigations are underway to dismantle the larger nexus.
