In a significant development in the Rourkela murder case, Sundargarh Superintendent of Police Amritpal Kaur has formally requested the call detail records (CDR) of three fugitive associates from telecom operators. This move aims to track the individuals who allegedly helped a plumbing contractor murder a plumber over an unpaid wage dispute.
The Gruesome Crime and Initial Disguise
The prime accused has been identified as Himansu Sekhar Jena, 46, a plumbing contractor originally from Jajpur district. For the past two years, Jena had employed Biraja Prasad Rout, 43, also from Jajpur, along with four other labourers. He housed them in rented accommodations at Amlapalli in Rourkela.
The incident unfolded on Sunday when a dispute over unpaid wages turned fatal. According to the investigation, Biraja and the four other labourers confronted Jena about their delayed payments. An argument ensued. While the other labourers eventually left, Biraja remained behind. The following day, Jena, along with his three associates, allegedly assaulted and killed the plumber.
In an attempt to cover up the crime, the accused reportedly hanged the body using a bedsheet to stage it as a suicide. Jena himself informed the Town police about the apparent suicide on Monday.
FIR Exposes the Murder
The plot began to unravel when the victim's cousin, Pratyush Rout, filed a First Information Report (FIR). He raised suspicions after noticing visible injury marks on Biraja's body, which were inconsistent with a suicide. In his complaint, Pratyush also accused Jena of habitually abusing workers and withholding their rightful wages.
Acting on this complaint, the Town police registered a murder case. During subsequent questioning, Jena confessed to the crime, leading to his arrest on Wednesday. However, his three associates had already fled the scene. Police efforts to locate them have been hampered as their mobile phones have been switched off, cutting off a crucial digital trail.
Police Leverage Technology in Manhunt
To break the deadlock in the investigation, Sundargarh SP Amritpal Kaur has now sought the call detail records (CDR) of the three fugitives. Analyzing these records will help investigators map their past movements and potentially locate their current whereabouts.
Priti Manjari Menduli, the inspector in-charge of Town police station, confirmed the ongoing search. "We are searching for the three associates," she stated, highlighting the force's commitment to apprehending all individuals involved in the heinous act.
The case has spotlighted the vulnerabilities of migrant labourers and disputes over wage payments, leading to a tragic outcome. The police are now combining traditional investigative methods with digital forensics to ensure justice is served.
