Six Arrested for Sambalpur Murder

Sambalpur: Police have arrested six persons for their alleged involvement in the murder of a history-sheeter near the Hirakud Substation under Hirakud police station limits in Sambalpur district on Monday evening.

The arrested accused have been identified as Saini Behera (33), Pratap Behera (24), Jaynarayan Mishra (22), Raj Barik alias Gudu (22), Sridhara Prasad (25), and Samir Behera (21) — all residents under the jurisdiction of Hirakud police station.

The deceased, Kalu Bahadur (28) of Gandhi Nagar Para, was attacked with sharp weapons by the six assailants while travelling on a motorcycle with his friend Satya Ranjan Dhal near the WESCO office around 7:10 PM.

According to police, Bahadur died on the spot, while Dhal sustained serious injuries and is currently undergoing treatment at VIMSAR, Burla.

Following a complaint by Bahadur’s younger brother Pintu Bahadur, a case (Hirakud PS Case No. 210/2025) was registered. Acting on the directives of senior officials, including the IG and SP, two special teams were formed to probe the case. Forensic experts examined the scene, and CCTV footage was collected as part of the investigation.

“Six accused persons have been identified and arrested. The murder appears to be an act of revenge over an old enmity. In 2019, Kalu Bahadur had killed Banti Behera, brother of accused Saini Behera,” said Sambalpur Additional SP Ajay Kumar Mishra while briefing reporters.

Police revealed that Bahadur had over 20 criminal cases against him, including charges of murder, attempt to murder, and kidnapping.

Weapons used in the crime — including a sword, knife, and stones — have been seized from the accused.

Further investigation into the case is underway, police added.