In a breakthrough after a 14-day investigation, the Khordha district police have cracked the murder case of Basudeb Parida, a prominent mining businessman from Jamusahi under Begunia police station limits.
Four suspects involved in the conspiracy have been arrested and remanded to court custody, with authorities revealing that the killing stemmed from deep-seated enmity in the mining trade.
The incident occurred on the evening of January 19, when Parida was ambushed and shot dead on the Jamusahi-Dalak road. According to Khordha Superintendent of Police (SP) Vivekananda Sharma, who addressed a press conference on Monday, the victim was targeted due to business rivalries. “The murder was planned and executed over ongoing disputes in the mining sector,” Sharma stated, adding that the arrests were made based on leads from the crime scene and witness accounts.
The arrested individuals, all from Gayabandh village under Jankia police station, have been identified as Ajay Bhujbal (34), Gyanranjan Pradhan (34), Manas Subudhi (33), and Kartik Bhujbal (36). They were apprehended while hiding in the Gayabandh jungle following intensive raids by three specialized police teams formed under the SP’s directive. Police recovered two motorcycles, two live bullets, and two empty shells from the suspects. However, the pistol used in the crime remains unrecovered, and the search continues.
Parida’s wife, Salila Parida, filed a complaint at Begunia police station shortly after the incident, alleging that her husband had received threats from local rivals earlier that day. The FIR, registered as Case No. 34/26, detailed how the assailants fired three rounds at Parida, hitting him in the head, ear, and chest, before fleeing the scene. They left behind a bullet and Parida’s scooter (registration number OD-33-AQ-9986) at the spot.
Investigations revealed a history of criminal activities on both sides. The deceased had nine pending cases against him across various police stations, while the accused have 3-4 cases each, indicating a pattern of feuds and rivalries. “Long-standing animosity escalated into this heinous act,” Sharma explained, emphasizing that the suspects had been monitoring Parida’s movements before striking in a secluded area.
The police arrived at the scene promptly after the shooting, securing evidence and launching a manhunt. SP Sharma assured that all individuals linked to the case would be brought to justice soon. The press conference was also attended by Additional Superintendent of Police Srinibas Mahanti, SDPO Nihar Pradhan, and Begunia Police Station Officer Kahnu Charan Swain.
