Rayagada Police arrested three more accused in the high-profile Nikhil Hadapa murder case, taking the total number of arrests to 12.
The fresh arrests were made on Friday and the accused were produced in court before being sent to judicial custody.
The arrested individuals have been identified as Amit Meleka, Hemant Meleka, and Biki Behera. After court proceedings, they were lodged in the Rayagada Sub-Jail. Police confirmed that earlier, nine persons had already been arrested in connection with the case.
SP Swathi S Kumar had earlier stated that 21 persons were involved in the murder. With the latest arrests, police have now taken 12 into custody, while nine others remain absconding. IIC Prasanna Kumar Behera assured that efforts are underway to apprehend the remaining accused soon.
Nikhil was abducted and shot dead on May 9, allegedly due to old enmity and disputes linked to a gambling den loot. The incident triggered widespread tension in Rayagada, leading to repeated clashes between rival groups.
