In a significant breakthrough, Malkangiri police have solved the sensational murder case of web journalist CH Naresh, arresting two suspects in Hyderabad after a seven-day investigation.
The arrests were announced by Superintendent of Police (SP) Vinod Patil during a press conference at the Malkangiri district police office on Saturday evening.
The incident occurred on July 12 in Muraliguda village under Motu police station, when Naresh, accompanied by four others, visited the area for news coverage. Unidentified assailants on two motorcycles intercepted their car, leading to a heated altercation. The attackers assaulted Naresh with a sharp weapon, severing his hand, and fled with the vehicle. Naresh was rushed to Motu hospital and later transferred to Malkangiri district hospital, where he succumbed to his injuries.
The police recovered the stolen car from a forest near Maharajpali two days later and seized a motorcycle used by the perpetrators.SP Patil, treating the case with utmost priority, formed three special police teams led by Additional SP Rashmiranjan Senapati and DSP R. Pradhan.
Acting on intelligence that the suspects were hiding in Hyderabad, the special team apprehended Sukumar Ray (25) from MV 75 village and Kankan Jordar (21) from MPV 82 village, both under the Motu police station. The weapon used in the attack was also recovered. The accused were produced in court on Saturday, and further investigation is underway to determine if others were involved.“
The police are committed to ensuring justice. We will leave no stone unturned to uncover the full truth behind this heinous crime,” SP Patil stated during the press conference, attended by Additional SP Raj Kishor Dash, Additional SP Rashmiranjan Senapati, and SDPO Divya Ranjan Dalei.
The murder had sparked widespread outrage, with demands for swift action from journalist associations and the public.
The arrests mark a significant step toward justice for CH Naresh, whose tragic death highlighted the risks faced by journalists in remote areas.