Five Individuals Apprehended in Connection with Fatal Shooting in Cuttack
In a significant development, law enforcement authorities in Cuttack have taken five persons into custody on Friday, linking them directly to the tragic murder of a 32-year-old man. The victim, identified as Soumya Ranjan Jena, also known as Rinku, met his untimely demise after being shot during a heated drunken altercation at Nuapada Press Colony, which falls under the jurisdiction of the Madhupatana police station.
Details of the Arrest and Incident
The arrested suspects have been named as Utkal Keshari Pasayat, aged 30, Abhijit Mohanty, 25, Priyabrat Tripathy, 25, Himanshu Sekhar Nayak, 30, and Rudra Prasad Chand, 22. According to Deputy Commissioner of Police (Cuttack) Khilari Rishikesh Dnyandeo, the fatal incident unfolded at an abandoned quarter within Press Colony. This location served as a gathering spot for the victim and several others, including the five accused, who had convened to consume alcohol.
During this gathering, a verbal dispute erupted between Soumya Ranjan Jena and Utkal Keshari Pasayat. Under the intense influence of alcohol and in a sudden fit of rage, Pasayat allegedly discharged a country-made pistol, striking Soumya in the chest and upper abdomen. The shooting occurred on February 18, leading to severe injuries for the victim.
Medical Response and Evidence Concealment Attempt
The injured youth was initially rushed to a private medical facility for emergency treatment. Subsequently, he was transferred to the SCB Medical College and Hospital, where medical professionals, despite their efforts, declared him deceased due to the critical nature of his wounds. In a bid to obstruct the investigation, the accused purportedly tried to hide evidence by removing live ammunition and an empty cartridge from the crime scene, as detailed by DCP Khilari.
Law enforcement officials successfully seized a range of items from the suspects, including a country-made pistol, two live cartridges, one empty cartridge, a car, a scooter, a motorcycle, and four mobile phones. These pieces of evidence are crucial to the ongoing probe into this heinous crime.
Investigation and Legal Proceedings
DCP Khilari emphasized that the case was resolved within an impressive 48-hour timeframe, thanks to a combination of scientific investigative techniques, meticulous analysis of CCTV footage, and thorough examination of mobile phone data. He clarified that the murder was not premeditated but rather the result of sudden provocation during the drunken altercation. All five accused individuals have been formally presented before a court, and legal proceedings are now underway.
Police authorities have confirmed that further investigations are being conducted to verify any potential criminal backgrounds or antecedents of the arrested persons. This step aims to ensure a comprehensive understanding of their histories and any possible connections to other unlawful activities.
The swift action by the Cuttack police underscores their commitment to maintaining law and order, while the community remains shaken by this violent event. The case highlights the dangers associated with alcohol-fueled conflicts and the critical role of modern technology in aiding criminal investigations.
