Bhubaneswar Police Investigate Possible Murder in 2019 Abduction Case
City police in Bhubaneswar made a startling claim on Sunday. They suspect that a man who was allegedly abducted back in 2019 may have been murdered. This development follows the arrest of a woman from Khallikote in Ganjam district.
Woman Arrested as Suspect in Disappearance
Police identified the arrested woman as Rashmita Swain. Officers took her into custody on Saturday. Authorities are now probing her potential involvement in the case.
A senior police officer provided details about the investigation. "We suspect that she may have killed Balaram Sahani and destroyed evidence. This angle is currently under verification," the officer stated.
Details of the 2019 Disappearance
Balaram Sahani has been missing since October 9, 2019. His father, Tapan Sahani, filed a formal complaint with the Chandaka police station on October 13. In his FIR, he alleged that his son was kidnapped.
Tapan named Rashmita Swain and an unidentified man as suspects in the complaint. According to the police account, Balaram left his home on a scooter that day. He was heading to Chhatrapur in Ganjam district.
What Happened on the Day of Disappearance
Balaram carried Rs 80,000 in cash with him. He also wore a gold chain and a ring. Two relatives, Baidhar Arukha and Sukant Mallick, accompanied him on the journey.
The group stopped to eat near Khurda. During this break, Balaram received a phone call. The caller asked him to come alone. Following this instruction, Arukha and Mallick returned home without him.
Balaram never reached his destination. He vanished completely after that phone call.
Possible Motive and Relationship
Police revealed that Balaram knew Rashmita Swain before his marriage. He got married in May 2019, just months before his disappearance. Tapan Sahani alleged that Rashmita was displeased about Balaram's marriage.
This alleged displeasure raised suspicions about her possible involvement in his disappearance. Investigators are examining this angle closely.
Current Police Actions
Police took Rashmita Swain on a day-long remand for interrogation on Sunday. They are questioning her intensively about the events of 2019.
The senior officer added another dimension to the investigation. "We are verifying suspected ganja trading link to the abduction case," he said. This suggests police are exploring possible drug trade connections.
The case has taken a serious turn with the murder suspicion. Bhubaneswar police continue their investigation into this four-year-old mystery.
