BERHAMPUR: The decomposed body of a 47-year-old realtor, kidnapped at gunpoint a week ago, was recovered from a forest under Surada police limits in Ganjam district on Wednesday.
The deceased was identified as Sudhir Patra of Satyanarayanpur village under Gopalpur police limits. A real estate dealer, Sudhir was reportedly abducted by gun-wielding miscreants on April 15.
Police said residents of Balapanka village in Surada came across a foul smell while passing through Rasipankal forest. On searching the area, they discovered a highly-decomposed body and informed Surada police.
Immediately, Gopalpur police was alerted following which Aska SDPO Santosh Jena along with Sudhir’s family members reached the forest. The body was identified as Sudhir’s based on his clothes and a bracelet.
Sources said on April 15 evening, Sudhir was returning home after playing a volleyball match in Gopalpur’s Rabinarayanpur when he was reportedly kidnapped at gunpoint. Sudhir’s brother-in-law lodged a complaint with Gopalpur police stating that the realtor’s motorcycle was found abandoned at the roadside, while both his mobile phones were switched off.
Basing on the complaint, police registered a case and launched a search operation for Sudhir. Alerts were also issued to all police stations across the district. However, despite extensive efforts, he could not be traced.
In the meantime, the abductors reportedly tortured Sudhir in captivity and sent a video of the act to his family to threaten them. Although no official ransom demand was made, sources said the kidnappers sought Rs 2 crore for his release. Some local land dealers reportedly attempted to mediate for Sudhir’s release but to no avail.
Ganjam SP Subhendu Patra said the victim’s body has been sent to MKCG Medical College and Hospital for postmortem. The exact cause of death would be ascertained after the autopsy report arrives. Investigation is ongoing and efforts are underway to identify and nab the kidnappers.
Sudhir was reportedly into plotting business across Ganjam district and in Khurda’s Balugaon area.