By Our Correspondent
BERHAMPUR/BHUBANESWAR:Gopalpur P.S. Case No. 213 dated 16.04.2026. Initially registered under U/S 140(2)/3(5) BNS-2023 / Sec. 25/27 Arms Act, subsequently converted to U/S 140(2)/111(2)(a)/61(2)(a)/103(
MAJOR BREAKTHROUGH IN KIDNAPPING, RANSOM AND MURDER CASE
Nine Accused Arrested in Sudhir Kumar Patra Murder Case
Berhampur Police has successfully detected a sensational case involving kidnapping for ransom, criminal conspiracy, extortion, destruction of evidence and murder of one Sudhir Kumar Patra (47) of Gopalpur area. Through sustained technical surveillance, field intelligence, coordinated raids and meticulous investigation, …
Gist of FIR
On 16.04.2026, Smt. Rasmita Kumari Patra (42) of Satyanarayanapur, P.S.-Gopalpur, Dist.-Ganjam lodged a written report alleging that her husband Sudhir Kumar Patra (47) had been kidnapped on 15.04.2026 evening from Gopalpur by unidentified miscreants at gunpoint. It was further alleged that the kidnappers threatened to kill him and demanded a ransom of Rs. 2 Crore.
Basing on the report, the above case was registered and investigation was immediately taken up.
Investigating Officer
Sri Subhransu Sekhar Parida, OPS
SDPO Sadar, Berhampur
Arrested Accused Persons
1. Nibedita Patra (23 Yrs.)
D/O Late Monoj Kumar Patro
Vill-Satyanarayanpur, GP-Rangeilunda, PS-Gopalpur, Berhampur Police District, Dist-Ganjam
At/PR-Flat No-101, KBR Udyam Apartment, Andhapasara Road, Berhampur, PS-Gosaninuagaon, Berhampur Police District, Dist-Ganjam
2. Tushar Kumar Patro (DOB-24.08.2006) Age 19 Yrs.
S/O Late Monoj Kumar Patro
Vill-Satyanarayanpur, GP-Rangeilunda, PS-Gopalpur, Berhampur Police District, Dist-Ganjam
At/PR-Flat No-101, KBR Udyam Apartment, Andhapasara Road, Berhampur, PS-Gosaninuagaon, Berhampur Police District, Dist-Ganjam
3. Kalia @ Kalu Charan Pradhan (DOB-05.04.1997) Age 28 Yrs.
S/O Bhagaban Pradhan
Vill-Kaliaguda, GP-Badaborising, PS-Gangapur, Dist-Ganjam
4. Chhota @ Badsaha @ Jitun Polai (DOB-10.05.1992) Age 33 Yrs.
S/O Panchanan Polai
Vill-Allapur, GP-Ralab, PS-Hinjilicut, Dist-Ganjam
5. Kamal @ Narayan Pradhan (YOB-1998) Age 28 Yrs.
S/O Late Susant Pradhan
Vill-Ramanda, GP-Golabandha, PO/PS-Buguda, Dist-Ganjam
6. Tulu @ Ashis Mahapatra (DOB-14.10.2000) Age 25 Yrs.
S/O Rajendra Mahapatra
Vill-B. Brahmapur, GP-Biranchipur, PO-Biranchipur, PS-Buguda, Dist-Ganjam
7. Subham Nayak (DOB-07.06.2006) Age 20 Yrs.
S/O Late Sankarsan Nayak
Vill-Kharida, GP-Kharida, PS-Hinjilicut, Dist-Ganjam
At/PR-Rented House, Bainchabania, Shyamalei Nagar, Hinjilicut, Dist-Ganjam
8. Gedu @ Subham Gouda (DOB-14.04.2006) Age 20 Yrs.
S/O Balaram Gouda
Vill-Punarakhandi, GP-Saru, PO/PS-Hinjilicut, Dist-Ganjam
9. Golu @ Lambu @ Surya Pratap Singh (DOB-11.04.1999) Age 28 Yrs.
S/O Durga Prasad Singh
Bankad Gram, Kamsthi Bazar, PS-Kamsthi, Dist-Baranasi, Uttar Pradesh
At/PR-Permanent House No-9, Ghanasyam Nagar Society, Near Indralok Society, Aaspas Temple, Near Goddara, Surat, PS-Goddara, Dist-Surat, Gujarat
Investigation Progress
Immediately after registration of the case, dedicated police teams were formed.
During the course of investigation:
Complainant and family members were examined.
Technical investigation and mobile analysis were carried out.
Local intelligence was cultivated to rescue the kidnapped victim at the earliest.
Raids were conducted at multiple suspected hideouts.
Meanwhile, the dead body of Sudhir Kumar Patra was detected at Jungle Road near Ketamani Hills, Vill-Balapanka under Sorada Police limits, Ganjam District.
As the body was in decomposed condition, spot post-mortem examination was conducted on requisition by the Medical Officer of FM&T, MKCG MCH and inquest was conducted by the Investigating Officer. Final autopsy report is awaited.
Motive Behind Crime
Investigation so far reveals that deceased Sudhir Kumar Patra was a successful real estate businessman operating in Ganjam district and adjoining districts.
Earlier, he was carrying on business jointly with his elder brother Late Monoj Kumar Patra. However, after the death of Monoj Kumar Patra on 09.06.2025, family disputes allegedly arose between Sudhir Kumar Patra and family members of Late Monoj Kumar Patra. For un-time death of Monoj Kumar Patra at the age of 49 Years due to disease process, his family members have been accusing Sudhir Kumar Patra since then for causing such death by playing black magic. Apart from this there was prolonged dispute pertaining to their Real Estate business between both brothers for which after death of Monoj Kumar Patra, his family members developed animosity with family of victim Sudhir Kumar Patro and in this way the family of Monoj Kumar Patro was in search of an opportunity to take revenge upon the victim and accordingly conspired the incident. This is proved (t) technical investigation relating to frequent and multiple telephone calls between the family members of Manoj Kumar Patro and the accused persons. This longstanding animosity appears to be the primary motive behind the crime.
Conspiracy and Role of Main Accused
Investigation further reveals that Nibedita Patra, daughter of Late Monoj Kumar Patra, was in close contact with accused Kalu Charan Pradhan for the last five years.
She allegedly expressed hostility towards her paternal uncle Sudhir Kumar Patra and instigated revenge.
Since 01.01.2026, there was substantial communication between them.
She allegedly passed information regarding the victim’s financial status and movement.
Further:
Tushar Kumar Patra, son of Late Monoj Kumar Patra, also came in contact with Kalu Charan Pradhan through his sister and remained in regular touch with him for the last four years.
He too allegedly expressed hatred towards the victim and sought retaliation.
Thereafter, accused Kalu Charan Pradhan contacted other associates, including two accused linked to Surat (Gujarat), and a criminal conspiracy was hatched.
Sequence of Crime
As per investigation:
On 15.04.2026 at about 7 PM, the accused kidnapped Sudhir Kumar Patra while he was returning home after playing volleyball at Gopalpur.
The victim was first taken in Bolero Vehicle No. OR-07-Y-6082.
Near Mathura (Polasara, Ganjam), the accused changed the vehicle to Venue Car No. GJ-05-RK-7143.
Thereafter, the victim was taken to RAMA PADA Jungle under Buguda Police limits.
At the jungle location:
Victim was brutally assaulted with wooden planks.
Firearm shots were fired near his body to terrorize him.
Assault was videographed.
Video was sent to his wife to threaten the family and extort Rs. 2 Crore ransom.
Due to severe injuries, the victim succumbed at the spot.
Thereafter:
Dead body was transported in the same Venue car.
Body was thrown near Jungle Road, Ketamani Hills, Balapanka under Sorada PS to conceal evidence.
All accused persons then absconded to different places.
Seizure Made
Police have seized the following incriminating articles:
1-Bolero Vehicle No. OR-07-Y-6082
2-Venue Car No. GJ-05-RK-7143
3-14 Mobile Phones belonging to accused persons
4-One country-made firearm i.e. 7.65 Pistol
Present Status
All above noted 09 accused persons have been arrested.
They are being forwarded to court today.
Police remand will be sought as required for further interrogation.
Further evidence collection is underway.
Other involved accused persons, will be arrested soon.
CA of Accused Persons.
(A) Accd. Jitun Polei
(1) Hinjili PS Cse No-986 Dt 21.12.23 U/S 417/403/376 (2) /379 IPC
(2) Khalikote PS Case No- 197 Dt 21.03.23 U/S 20 (B)/ (ii) (c ) NDPS Act (3) Purussotampur PS Case No-465 Dt 15.08.22 U/S 279/337/338 IPC
(B) Accused Narayan Pradhan @ Kamal –
(1) Chowkbazar PS ( Gujarat) Case No-323/2023 U/S 302/307/387/324/143/147/148/
(2)Singanpore ( Gujarat) PS Case No-60/2025 U/S 109/115(2)/351(3)/352 BNS/Sec 135 G P Act.
Apart from the above the absconded accused persons from other State are also involved in multiple criminals cases.
