Cuttack: In a swift and coordinated operation, the Cuttack Urban Police District (UPD) of Commissionerate Police successfully rescued a youth, Soumya Ranjan Behera, who was abducted from Baulakuda in Bayalish Mouja on the night of May 18. Seven suspects, including a juvenile, have been arrested in connection with the case.
Addressing the media on Tuesday, Cuttack Deputy Commissioner of Police (DCP) Khilari Rishikesh Dnyandeo said that the abduction was masterminded by gym trainer Rajesh Das, allegedly over a financial dispute involving an investment of ₹60–₹70 lakh in Behera’s Bhubaneswar-based stock trading firm. Das and his associate Divyajyoti, along with other accomplices plotted the kidnapping after repeated attempts to recover their money failed, he added.
DCP Dnyandeo informed that upon receiving the complaint from the victim’s mother on May 18 night a special team led by Assistant Commissioner of Police (ACP) Amitabh Mahapatra with Bayalish Mouja IIC was formed. The team used electronic surveillance to track the victim’s location. Behera was rescued within 12 hours from a slum area in Kendrapara, Khilari added.
The DCP Dnyandeo stated that the victim was subjected to both mental and physical torture by the abductors, who demanded repayment of the disputed investment. During the operation, police seized a car and three motorcycles used in the commission of the crime, he added.
DCP Dnyandeo revealed that this was not the first instance of Behera being targeted. He had previously been abducted in 2022, also in connection with financial disputes.
Further inquiries are underway to uncover more details about Behera’s business dealings and possible links to other similar cases.
