CUTTACK: The Commissionerate Police on Saturday arrested a primary member of the Dhal Samanta crime network from Khan Nagar of the City. Identified as Sarat Sahoo of Keutasahi under Badambadi police limits,he is facing trial in two criminal cases.
During arrest, police seized two unlicensed imported firearms - one 9 mm pistol and a six-round revolver - from Sahoo’s possession. Police team was led by Sub-Inspector of Badambadi police station BR Majhi.
Sahoo is a key associate of Sushant, Sushil Dhal Samanta and Sanjay Sahoo alias Bhajana.
He owns the lease of Bayalish Mouza Balighat (sand dune) and facilitates anti-social activities in Khan Nagar area.
As an active leader of Cuttack Nagar Yuvak Sangha, the organisation floated by Sushil, Sahoo was entrusted with increasing membership and inspiring youths for criminal activities including extortion, DCP Sanjeev Arora said.
On February 2, a businessman had registered an extortion case against Sahoo with Chauliaganj police which is likely to take him on custodial remand. Sahoo also faces trial in the case of a teenaged girl’s suicide. He had allegedly shot objectionable videos of the girl and circulated in the City. A few days later, she committed suicide.
Meanwhile, a special team of Cuttack Police quizzed more than a dozen persons for their alleged links with the Dhal Samanta siblings on Friday and Saturday. Some of them, sources said, have agreed to stand witness against the criminal duo in the court during trial.
Raids are being carried out in different locations in Odisha and other States to nab more associates who have fled after Dhal Samanta brothers’ arrest.