Sambalpur Police have solved a sensational missing person case, revealing that a 32-year-old man who had been missing for nearly two months was brutally murdered following a dispute over Rs 200.
The accused, identified as Bhagaban Tandi of Bhuyanpada, has been detained and is being questioned further. Police have recovered skeletal remains believed to be those of the deceased, Rajesh Gupta (32) of Krishnanagar under Bareipali police limits.
According to police, Rajesh and the accused were acquaintances who had allegedly stolen iron materials from a vehicle and later sold them. A dispute arose over the distribution of the proceeds after Bhagaban reportedly paid Rajesh Rs 200 less than his share. Frequent arguments over the issue eventually escalated into violence.
Police investigation revealed that during a drinking session, an altercation broke out between the two men. In a fit of rage, the accused allegedly assaulted Rajesh, resulting in his death. He later concealed the body beneath bushes in an attempt to destroy evidence.
Rajesh had gone missing before Raksha Bandhan. Since he often travelled for work and would return home after 20 to 25 days, his family initially did not suspect anything unusual. However, when he failed to return for an extended period, his brother lodged a missing person complaint at Bareipali Police Station. A case was registered, and an investigation was launched.
Providing details of the breakthrough, Sambalpur Sadar SDPO Tofan Bag said police pursued several leads and eventually brought Bhagaban Tandi in for questioning. During sustained interrogation, the accused allegedly confessed to the crime.
Following the confession, a special police team comprising officers from Bareipali and Ainthapali police stations was formed under the supervision of the Sambalpur SP. The team visited the crime scene along with the accused. Sniffer dogs and a scientific investigation team were also deployed.
In the presence of a magistrate, police recovered skeletal remains and bones from the spot. The remains have been seized and sent to the Department of Forensic Medicine and Toxicology (FMT) for examination and legal formalities.
Police said further investigation is underway, and the accused will be produced before the court as the probe continues.
