Sambalpur: A businessman from Balangir, who was allegedly abducted and held captive in an apartment in Bhubaneswar’s Khandagiri area, was rescued by police on Saturday. One accused has been arrested, while efforts are underway to apprehend two other suspects allegedly involved in the kidnapping.
Inspector General of Police (Northern Range) Himanshu Kumar Lal on Sunday said the investigation is progressing on multiple fronts, including a possible financial dispute that may have triggered the crime. He said weapons were also seized during the operation.
“The victim was rescued safely yesterday. One accused has been arrested and weapons have been recovered. We are investigating all possible angles, including the financial aspect, as monetary transactions appear to be involved. Several others are also linked to the case, and two more accused will be arrested soon,” Lal told reporters on Sunday.
The victim, identified as Narendra Sahoo alias Munda of Balangir, was allegedly abducted by a group of six to seven persons after a verbal altercation on Friday afternoon. Police said he was assaulted before being forcibly taken to Bhubaneswar and confined in an apartment near DN Regalia Mall in the Khandagiri area.
Following a complaint lodged by Sahoo’s family with the Balangir police, investigators traced his location and conducted a raid at the apartment on Saturday afternoon. While the businessman was rescued unharmed, some of the accused managed to escape before the police team reached the spot.
Police suspect the abduction may have been linked to a financial dispute. However, investigators said all possible motives are being examined, and further arrests are expected as the probe continues.
