In a chilling development in the Bhubaneswar rape and murder case, the prime accused Bishu Gochhayat was taken to the crime scene on Sunday to re-enact the events leading up to the brutal killing of a young woman. The demonstration was carried out under tight police security in a forested area near Banrapal and Kendupalli in Angul district.
The victim, a young professional working in a private acompany in Bhubaneswar, had been travelling home by train when the journey was interrupted due to a technical glitch near Talcher. She later boarded an auto-rickshaw driven by the accused, Bishu.
According to police reports, instead of taking her home, Bishu diverted the vehicle into a remote forest area where he allegedly raped and murdered her. Her decomposed body was recovered days later, sparking outrage and a massive manhunt.
Following a three-week-long intensive search, Angul police apprehended Bishu from Raigad, Maharashtra, where he had been hiding while working at a local factory. Police officials said that over 1,000 CCTV clips were scrutinised by six special teams before they could trace his whereabouts.
In addition to Bishu, three of his relatives were also arrested for allegedly providing him shelter while he was absconding.
Authorities confirmed that Bishu is also involved in at least three other criminal cases registered at Angul and Vikrampur police stations. He will soon be taken into police remand for further interrogation.
“The re-enactment of the crime was essential to piece together the final moments of the victim and corroborate the investigation findings. Further legal proceedings are in motion,” said Angul SP.
This case has reignited public concern over women’s safety in Odisha, particularly in transit, and raised calls for better monitoring of auto-rickshaw services and faster implementation of women protection measures.
