PURI: A 25-year-old hotelier was allegedly murdered by four persons after a dispute over customer service in Baliapanda area of Puri on Wednesday.
The deceased was identified as Pabitra Nayak (25). He had taken a hotel on lease on Dhabaleswar road in the Baliapanda area.
Hours after the crime, police nabbed the prime accused, Chandan Pallar (35), after shooting him in the legs near Shankarpur.
Police said Pabitra had contracted some of his rooms to an OYO-affiliated operation managed by Chandan. On the day, he reportedly visited the hotel over complaints regarding customer service. An argument ensued between him and Chandan. During the altercation, Pabitra informed the police while Chandan reportedly contacted his brother Chinmay. Before police could reach the spot, Chinmay arrived at the hotel along with two associates. The four accused allegedly murdered Pabitra with a sharp weapon and fled the scene.
Subsequently, police launched a chase and intercepted the suspects’ vehicle near Shankarpur. During the operation, Chandan reportedly attacked the cops. In response, police opened fire and injured him in the legs before taking him into custody.
Chandan was later admitted to SCB Medical College and Hospital in Cuttack for treatment.
Police said a murder case has been registered and Pabitra’s body sent to Puri district headquarters hospital (DHH) for postmortem. Puri SP Prateek Singh said efforts are underway to apprehend the remaining accused. Police have formed a special team to track down the absconding suspects.
Later in the day, tension prevailed at the DHH as Pabitra’s family members questioned the police over the escape of the remaining accused. The SP assured the family members that all those involved would be arrested at the earliest.
Police have seized the CCTV footage of the hotel and nearby areas. A team of senior police officers led by the city DSP has been formed to nab the absconding criminals, Singh said.
