BHUBANESWAR/CUTTACK:In the ongoing crackdown on the crime web spun by Dhal Samanta brothers, the Commissionerate of Police on Tuesday detained one of their close associates named Chiku.
Chiku was picked by the police from the premises of Cuttack SDJM’s court when Sushil and Sushant Dhal Samanta were brought for production before the Magistrate. The police have recovered two crude bombs from his possession.
Meanwhile, the court has reserved its verdict on police’s plea to handcuff the gangster siblings, but their appeal for a fresh seven-day remand has been granted.
The Dhal Samanta brothers and three of their aides, Guddu, Debasis and Bhajanath were produced in SDJM’s court on Tuesday and later sent to Choudwar Circle Jail. Another associate of the Dhal Samantas, Niramala Rout, could not be produced in the court on health grounds.
Investigation have so far revealed that Sukesh Sahu, who was arrested from Ranihat on Monday on charges of possessing illegal arms, was an influential contractor under patronage of Dhal Samanta brothers. He is also said to have fixed deals with an extended clientele of the duo.
Sources said police, during a raid on the house of Badamabadi-based businessman Bholanath Bhagat, have stumbled upon documents which corroborate the details of a commercial entity in which the Dhal Samanta brothers made huge investments. A manhunt has been launched to nab Bhagat who is on the run since the arrest of the Dhal Samantas.
“Raids are continuing in the Twin City and other parts of the State where the Dhal Samantas had business interests,” Police Commissioner YB Khurania said.