In a shocking and gruesome incident that has sent shockwaves through Nayagarh district, 38-year-old Ajit Kumar Sahu of Khela Padia Sahi, Odagaon, was brutally murdered late Sunday night in Kadlibandh village under Odagaon block.
The killing, allegedly orchestrated by the notorious illegal stone quarry mafia, has exposed the dark underbelly of illegal mining operations in the area.
According to the detailed FIR filed by the victim’s father, Sadashiv Sahu, at Odagaon Police Station (Case No. 123/2026 dated 11.05.2026 under Sections 103(1) and 3(5) of the Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita), the incident unfolded around 1:30 AM. Ajit Sahu and his friend Santosh Kumar Pradhan were discussing payment for a load of stones with a 407 mini truck when the truck owner, Purnachandra Nayak alias Dipu, arrived following a call from the driver. A heated argument quickly escalated into a violent clash.
Eyewitness accounts and police investigation reveal that Dipu and his associates suddenly produced a sword from a Bolero vehicle. They first struck Ajit on the neck, causing him to fall. The attackers then repeatedly hacked at his body with the sword. In a horrific act, Ajit’s right palm was severed and found lying a short distance away from the body. Ajit died on the spot. Santosh Kumar Pradhan managed to escape and survived the attack.
The four main accused identified in the case are:
- Purnachandra Nayak alias Dipu (truck owner)
- Muna Sahu
- Jagannath Panda
- Kulu Bhatt
In a stunning display of swift and effective policing, Nayagarh Police have arrested all four main accused within just 12 hours of the crime. Two more key suspects were apprehended today, bringing the total in custody to four. Intensive interrogation is ongoing to determine the exact role of each accused and to trace any other persons involved.
Following the murder, angry locals blocked the road, demanding immediate arrests and strong action against the illegal quarry mafia. Senior officials, including IGP (Cuttack Range) Dr Satyajit Naik, Odagaon IIC Satyanarayan Barik, Sub-Divisional Police Officer Diptikanta Pradhan, SP S Sushree, Additional SP Subash Chandra Panda, and Tahasildar Dr Manas Ranjan Bhoi rushed to the spot. They assured the family of compensation and promised to arrest all accused within seven days. The road blockade was lifted after the assurances. A special medical team conducted the post-mortem at Nayagarh District Headquarters Hospital, and the body was handed over to the family.
IGP (CR) Dr Satyajit Naik confirmed the rapid breakthroughs, hailing the team’s efficiency. The law and order situation in the area remains normal and is being closely monitored.
The Nayagarh Police have reiterated their firm commitment to speedy investigation and exemplary punishment for every person involved in this heinous crime.
