Two persons, Dibyaranjan Parida (17) and Janardan Naik, died from firearm injuries near Lingarakata pipeline road in Talcher on the intervening night of December 23–24.
Police said the incident took place when a group of 12–13 individuals allegedly attempted theft at the stockyard of Grotam Infrastructure Limited, where electric tower materials were stored. Security personnel and a gunman deployed at the site noticed movement and opened fire with a 12‑bore firearm. Pellets struck the two victims, killing them instantly.
Following the incident, Talcher police registered a case and launched an investigation. Officers examined the crime scene, collected forensic evidence, and seized the weapon of offence—a 12‑bore double‑barrel gun and one empty cartridge.
Police apprehended five accused, including the gunman. Those arrested are Ganeswar Sahoo (45), Abhimanyu Sahoo (35), Parshuram Parida (50), Kishan Manjhi (25), and Anandi Manjhi (48). Investigators are verifying if others sustained injuries during the firing.
Inspector Digbijay Biswal, IIC of Talcher PS, is leading the probe under the supervision of Rahul Jain, IPS, SP Angul. Officials confirmed that the Talcher double murder case remains under investigation.
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