In a significant development, Mancheswar police have apprehended Sushant Nayak, alias Susei, for his alleged involvement in the murder of police volunteer Sahadev Nayak.
Sushant was arrested from the Kanpur area in Cuttack district on Saturday after weeks in hiding.
Case Background:
On January 8, 2025, Sahadev Nayak, a sanitary supervisor with the Bhubaneswar Municipal Corporation and a police volunteer, was brutally murdered on the Rasulgarh flyover. The assailants intercepted him while he was returning home after dropping his daughter at school, attacking him with sharp weapons and beheading him on the spot.
Sushant Nayak’s Alleged Role:
Investigations revealed that Sushant, along with prime accused Lipika Nayak and others, conspired to eliminate Sahadev due to prior enmity. On the day of the incident, Lipika disguised herself as a man and rode pillion on Sushant’s motorcycle. They chased Sahadev and attacked him with a machete on the Rasulgarh-Vani Vihar flyover. After the murder, they disposed of the weapon in the Daya River before fleeing separately.
Previous Arrests:
Prior to Sushant’s arrest, six individuals, including Lipika and her husband Laxmidhar Nayak, were arrested in connection with the case. Lipika, who had been arrested earlier for involvement in the brown sugar trade, allegedly orchestrated the murder, believing Sahadev’s stance against drug trafficking led to her incarceration.
Ongoing Investigation:
The arrest of Sushant Nayak marks a crucial step in the ongoing investigation. The police continue their efforts to apprehend any remaining suspects and are committed to ensuring justice for the victim and his family.