Balangir Police Crack Murder-for-Hire Conspiracy Involving Family Members
Police authorities in Balangir district made a shocking discovery on Saturday. They detected a carefully planned murder-for-hire conspiracy that has stunned the local community. The investigation revealed that a man allegedly plotted the killing of his own younger brother by hiring the victim's closest friend to carry out the deadly act.
Eight Individuals Arrested in Connection with the Crime
Law enforcement officials have taken eight people into custody following their investigation. The arrested individuals include the alleged mastermind, who happens to be the victim's elder brother. Police identified the deceased as Nataraj Thanapati, a thirty-five-year-old resident of Deulguri village under Tusura police limits in Balangir district.
Nataraj's body was discovered under the Tel river bridge on January second. This tragic discovery came just one month before his scheduled wedding ceremony. The timing has added another layer of sorrow to this already heartbreaking case.
Detailed List of Accused Persons
The police have named all eight individuals facing charges in this case:
- Nabakumar Thanapati (43), the victim's elder brother and alleged mastermind
- Kshetramohan Suna (32), the victim's close friend who allegedly participated in the plot
- Milan Bohidar (38)
- Mahadeb Bag (19)
- Ranjit Mishra (25)
- Sahil Bagarty (22)
- Manoj Selma (25)
- Raja Kumbhar (30)
These individuals come from various villages across Balangir district. Their residences fall under the jurisdiction of Tusura, Deogaon, Saintala, Titilagarh and Lathor police stations.
Financial Dispute Emerges as Primary Motive
Balangir Superintendent of Police Abhilash G. provided crucial insights into the case. He stated that the prime motive behind this horrific crime was a prolonged financial dispute between the brothers. According to police findings, Nabakumar conspired to eliminate his younger brother Nataraj to seize control of valuable assets.
The targeted properties included landed holdings, cash reserves and the family business. This revelation paints a grim picture of greed overshadowing family bonds.
Payment Details and Family Background
Investigators uncovered disturbing financial transactions related to the crime. Nabakumar allegedly paid token money amounting to sixty thousand rupees through online transfers to group members. He promised an additional two lakh rupees upon successful completion of the murder.
Sources familiar with the family situation provided additional context. A few years prior to this incident, the two brothers had separated from their joint family business. Each brother opened his own separate shop to operate independently.
The situation grew more complicated when the elder brother reportedly drove his parents out of their home. The elderly parents then began living with their younger son, Nataraj. This family dynamic likely contributed to the escalating tensions between the siblings.
Conspiracy Development and Execution
Police reconstruction of events shows how the conspiracy developed over time. Nabakumar first approached his brother's best friend, Kshetramohan. He offered money in exchange for carrying out a contract killing of Nataraj. Kshetramohan then enlisted six additional associates to participate in the criminal plan.
On the day of the murder, the group assembled at Dunguripali petrol pump. They consumed alcohol together before proceeding toward the Tel river bridge. The assailants traveled using two cars and one motorcycle to reach their destination.
Detailed Account of the Murder
Around midnight, Kshetramohan executed his part of the plan. He lured Nataraj to the bridge by citing some urgent matter that required immediate attention. After the victim arrived at the designated spot, Kshetramohan excused himself under the pretext of fetching water.
This created the opportunity for the other assailants to rush in. They assaulted Nataraj violently before pushing him from the bridge structure. The victim fell over fifty feet onto the rocky riverbed below. He succumbed to critical head injuries on the spot, according to police reports.
Police Investigation Unravels the Truth
Initially, authorities registered an unnatural death case based on a complaint filed by the elder brother himself. Subsequent investigation methods revealed the true nature of the incident. Police utilized scientific evidence, cyber forensics techniques and post-mortem reports during their inquiries.
These thorough examinations eventually uncovered the murder conspiracy. Superintendent of Police Abhilash G. emphasized how different investigative approaches contributed to solving the case.
Digital Evidence and Confessions
Police examination of the deceased's call history proved particularly revealing. Records showed frequent contact between Nataraj and his friend Kshetramohan just before the incident occurred. This discovery prompted authorities to scrutinize bank accounts and financial transactions more closely.
Their scrutiny confirmed Nabakumar's involvement in the crime through monetary transfers. During subsequent interrogation sessions, all accused individuals eventually confessed to their roles in the murder conspiracy. These confessions provided crucial details about how the plot was conceived and executed.
