CUTTACK: Madhupatna police on Friday arrested five persons on charges of killing a 32-year-old Soumya Ranjan Jena in Nuapada Press Colony.
The accused are Utkal Keshari Pasayat alias Huku (30) of Nuapada, Abhijit Mohanty alias Nandu (25) of Khapuria Labour Colony, Priyabrat Tripathy alias Poda alias Guddu (25) of 42 Mouza, Himanshu Sekhar Nayak alias Baun (30), and Rudra Prasad Chand alias Omm (22), both of Nuapada. Police seized a countrymade pistol, two live cartridges, one empty cartridge, three vehicles and four mobile phones from them.
Addressing mediapersons here, DCP Khilari Rishikesh Dnyandeo said Soumya along with the five accused and several others had gone to the abandoned quarter in Press Colony to consume alcohol and other contraband substances on Wednesday.
While they were consuming alcohol, Priyabrat and Abhijit reportedly showed off a gun to their companions. During that time Utkal reportedly requested the duo and got the gun in his hand. The others left the quarter to buy alcohol and food, leaving Utkal and Soumya alone.
“Meanwhile, under the influence of alcohol, an altercation broke out between Utkal and Soumya. The situation escalated and in a fit of rage, he fired at Soumya. The bullet struck him between the chest and upper abdomen,” Dnyandeo said.
Following the shooting, Utkal informed Priyabrat, who rushed to the spot. Both decided to shift Soumya to hospital. Soumya was initially taken to Daivik Hospital on a scooter, and later shifted in an autorickshaw to SCB Medical College and Hospital, where he succumbed to his injuries.
After admitting the victim to hospital, Abhijit and Priyabrat reportedly returned to the abandoned quarter. Priyabrat allegedly removed the live ammunition from the firearm and collected the empty cartridge. They then went to Priyabrat’s residence at 42 Mouza, where the weapon, live ammunition and empty cartridge were concealed in an attempt to destroy evidence.
“A countrymade pistol, two live ammunitions, one empty cartridge, an Alto car, a Honda Activa scooter, a bike and four mobile phones have been seized. Further investigation is on,” said the DCP.