Three individuals have been apprehended in connection with the kidnapping and murder of Guddu Munda, a 21-year-old resident of Dungun village in Chatra district, police confirmed on Saturday. The incident occurred on March 30.
Arrests and Investigation
The arrested suspects have been identified as Mahesh Ganjhu, Nitesh Kumar Ganjhu, and Kamlesh Kumar, all hailing from Dungun village. Simaria SDPO Nagargoje Shubham Bhau Saheb provided details of the investigation.
“A kidnapping complaint was filed by the victim’s father, Santosh Munda, at Lawalong police station on May 15. In response, a special investigation team (SIT) was formed. Based on technical evidence and local intelligence, several suspects were detained from the village on Friday. During interrogation, one of the suspects, Mahesh Ganjhu, allegedly revealed the details of the crime,” the SDPO said.
Motive and Crime Details
The motive behind the murder appears to be a personal dispute. “Guddu was allegedly in a relationship with Rita Devi, the mother of key accused Rakesh Munda, who is also from the same village. Upset over this relationship, Rakesh conspired with his associates to eliminate him. On March 30, the accused intercepted Guddu near Mandhaniya valley after forcing him to alight from a moving bus. They assaulted him, took him to the Mandhaniya-Hahe forest area, and killed him. The body was buried to conceal evidence,” the officer added.
Exhumation and Ongoing Search
Acting on the statements of the arrested individuals, the body was exhumed on Saturday and sent to Chatra sadar hospital for post-mortem examination. Police have launched raids to apprehend the alleged mastermind, Rakesh Munda, who remains at large.
The investigation continues as authorities work to bring all perpetrators to justice.
