In a major breakthrough, Laxmisagar Police, with the assistance of Surat Police, have arrested Balabhadra Maharana, the primary accused and caretaker in the murder and robbery of senior citizen Kunjalata Nanda.
The arrest concludes a seven-day manhunt for the accused, who had been on the run following the brutal crime in the Buddhanagar area of the capital city.
The accused is currently being brought to Bhubaneswar on transit remand. The Commissionerate Police will formally reveal details of the operation and investigation in an official press conference scheduled for November 12 at 1:30 PM at the Police Commissionerate Headquarters.
CCTV Footage Revealed Escape Plan
The crime came to light after CCTV footage surfaced showing Balabhadra carrying a bag and fleeing the victim’s residence (Plot No. 16/9) on a scooter on the night of the incident. Despite having limited formal education, Balabhadra managed to evade a widespread police cordon by frequently changing locations over seven days before tracking teams pinpointed his whereabouts in Gujarat.
Mounting Safety Concerns for Senior Citizens
This incident has raised fresh concerns regarding the safety of elderly citizens relying on domestic help in the capital. Investigations reveal a troubling history of crimes committed by domestic staff in Bhubaneswar. Similar high-profile cases include the 2013 murder and robbery of Manuchar Patnaik’s wife by a security guard in Rasulgarh, and the 2015 plot hatched by a maid to murder a retired doctor and his wife in Sailashree Vihar.
Police reports indicate that more than 40 cases of robbery involving domestic helpers have been registered in the city over the last six months alone, highlighting an urgent need for stricter verification procedures and enhanced security protocols for households living independently.
