Realtor Murder: Niece, Nephew Among 9 Held in Ganjam

Chhatrapur (Ganjam): In a shocking case of familial betrayal, police in Odisha’s Ganjam district have arrested nine persons, including the victim’s niece and nephew, for allegedly abducting and murdering a realtor over a property dispute, officials confirmed on Thursday.

The victim, Sudhir Patra, was kidnapped on April 15 from Satyanarayanpur under Gopapur police station limits while returning home in the evening.

According to investigators, the crime was allegedly masterminded by Sudhir’s niece Nivedita Patra and nephew Tushar Kumar Patra. The duo reportedly suspected that Sudhir had taken a larger share of the family property following the recent death of his elder brother.

Police said Nivedita shared her suspicions with an associate, Kalu Charan Pradhan, following which the trio allegedly hatched a plan over the past two months to abduct Sudhir and extort money. Pradhan is believed to have arranged hired criminals to execute the conspiracy.

On the day of the incident, Sudhir was intercepted and forcibly taken into an SUV. When the vehicle broke down midway, the accused allegedly shifted him to another car and drove towards a forested area near Buguda. There, he was brutally assaulted. The attackers reportedly recorded a video of the assault and sent it to Sudhir’s wife while demanding a ransom of ₹2 crore.

Police said Sudhir succumbed to his injuries the same night. The accused later transported his body and dumped it near Ketamani hill in Sorada before fleeing the scene.

Following a complaint lodged by the victim’s brother-in-law, police formed seven teams to trace him. During the investigation, suspicion fell on family members, leading to the detention and subsequent confession of the niece and nephew, officials said.

Sudhir’s body was recovered on April 22. Along with the three key accused, six others—identified as Jitun Palei, Narayan Pradhan, Ashish Mahapatra, Subham Nayak, Subham Gouda, and Surya Pratap Singh—have also been arrested for their alleged involvement.

Police have seized 14 mobile phones, a 7.65 mm pistol, and two vehicles used in the crime.

Addressing a press conference, Ganjam Superintendent of Police Shubhendu Kumar Patra said further arrests are likely as some suspects are still absconding. He added that the accused will be taken on remand for detailed interrogation.

Sudhir Patra is survived by his wife and two children. His elderly parents remain in deep shock following the brutal incident. Police said further investigation is underway.