The police investigation into the October 4 shootout in Kalikabadi village under Brahmagiri police limits has intensified. On Tuesday, Brahmagiri police arrested five relatives of the main accused on charges of facilitating their escape and destroying crucial evidence related to the crime.
Following their arrest, all five were forwarded to court under the legal framework. Police are actively interrogating leads to determine where the primary suspects sought refuge after the firing and to identify any other individuals involved in the conspiracy.
The administration has sealed the Maa Mangala Rice Mill, owned by the primary accused, Bulu Pahal. Additionally, police forces have been deployed to guard his gas agency, several poultry farms, and his residence. The move to provide police protection to the accused’s business establishments has become a major talking point among local residents.
Sources reveal that the incident stems from rising political tensions in the village. Discussions had been ongoing for a few days regarding the induction of Bulu Pahal and his elder brother, Hari Pahal, into the ruling BJP. However, as the brothers were previously aligned with a different political party, a faction of local supporters strongly opposed their entry.
The tension culminated on Sunday afternoon during a meeting near the Trailokanath temple. A heated argument broke out between Bulu, Hari, and their cousin, Tofan Pahal. As the altercation escalated, Bulu allegedly opened fire on Tofan with a pre-arranged firearm. Tofan sustained a gunshot wound to the stomach and collapsed at the scene, after which the two brothers fled.
Locals immediately rushed Tofan to a hospital in Puri. As his condition deteriorated, he was shifted to a private hospital in Bhubaneswar, where doctors successfully removed the bullet during surgery. His health condition is now reported to be stable.
Based on a written complaint filed by Tofan’s father, Bidyadhar Pahal, Brahmagiri Police registered Case No. 510/26 against Bulu and Hari Pahal under relevant criminal sections. The Superintendent of Police (SP) has handed over the investigation to a woman officer of DSP rank.
Despite three days having passed since the violent clash, the main accused remain at large, raising public questions about the efficiency of the police manhunt. The complete motives behind the shooting and the eventual capture of the absconding brothers remain the primary focus of the ongoing investigation.
