Police in Balasore have made a significant breakthrough in a chilling murder case, arresting two individuals for the alleged killing of a 27-year-old man whose body was discovered in a hotel room late last month. The arrests shed light on a crime born out of a heated altercation among acquaintances.
The Crime and Immediate Aftermath
The victim, identified as Akash Mohanta from Badjambani village in Mayurbhanj district, was found dead in a hotel room on December 27. Following an intensive probe, authorities apprehended the prime suspects: Ramachandra Singh (22) and Mina, also known as Jemamani Singh (27), both hailing from the same village as the victim. Police revealed that the two accused were involved in an extramarital relationship.
Sequence of Events Leading to the Murder
According to Balasore city DSP Nirmala Gochayat, the tragic sequence began on December 25. Akash and Ramachandra had traveled from their village to the Betnoti police station to inquire about a home guard recruitment admit card. Upon learning that Ramachandra's application was rejected, the duo decided to proceed to Balasore. On the journey, they picked up Jemamani, with Ramachandra also taking responsibility for her two children.
The trio checked into a hotel near Balia, within the limits of the Sahadevkhunta police station. They occupied room 502, using multiple Aadhaar cards for the booking. Police reports indicate that the group consumed alcohol inside the room.
The situation turned fatal at night when, as per the police account, Akash attempted to establish a physical relationship with Jemamani. Ramachandra opposed this, triggering a violent confrontation. "The situation escalated into a violent confrontation with Ramachandra pinning Akash to the ground and strangling him, while Jemamani held his legs, leading to his death," DSP Gochayat stated.
Investigation, Arrests, and Legal Proceedings
After committing the crime, the accused fled the hotel. The subsequent discovery of the body prompted a swift police investigation. Forensic teams scoured the hotel room, collecting crucial physical evidence and clothing.
Leveraging investigative leads and technical evidence, police teams arrested Ramachandra from Betnoti and Jemamani from Jajpur. During interrogation, both suspects confessed to murdering Akash. "The accused have been produced before a court," confirmed the DSP, adding that further investigation is underway to uncover all circumstances related to the crime.
The case highlights a grim outcome of personal disputes turning violent, with police now building a legal framework based on the confessions and collected forensic evidence.
