Berhampur police executed a planned operation to capture two fugitives linked to the brutal killing of plot businessman Sudhir Kumar Patra.
The accused, Ranjan Mallik of Nuagaon under Bargarh police limits and Saroj Panda alias Vicky of Sikiri village under Hinjilicut police limits, faced an encounter late Monday night.
Police had tracked the duo after months of investigation into Patra’s abduction and murder. Armed criminals had kidnapped Patra from Satyanarayanpur village under Gopalpur police limits, demanded ransom, and circulated a video showing an inhuman assault before killing him. Earlier, police arrested Patra’s daughter, Nibedita and her partner, Kalu, charging them in connection with the crime.
During the operation, police intercepted Ranjan and Vicky near Ankashpur-Ratnapur. Both sustained injuries in the exchange of fire. Officers immediately shifted them under tight security to MKCG Medical College and Hospital in Brahmapur for treatment.
Investigations revealed that the duo accepted a contract to eliminate Patra. Police had already neutralised three other criminals—Mukesh Sahu, Dipuna Nayak, and Jagannath Sahu—in earlier encounters. With Ranjan and Vicky now in custody, authorities believe the network of contract killers involved in the case has been dismantled.
