Koraput: In a shocking case, Borigumma police on Wednesday arrested four persons, including the daughter’s boyfriend, in connection with the murder of the daughter’s mother and teenage brother.
The victims, Anushka Parida (45) and her son Eham Parida (14), had been missing since February 20. Their bodies were later recovered from separate canals in Koraput district.
The arrested have been identified as Preet Nayak (19), P. Adi Narayan Rao (21) of Dasiri Sahi village, Adi Narayan Panigrahi (19) of Bijapur village, and Jagannath Jani (20) of Kamta village. All four are residents under the jurisdiction of Borigumma Police Station.
Eham’s body was recovered on Monday from the Andaramunda canal under Kotpad police limits, while his mother’s body was found on Tuesday in the Jayantigiri main canal under Borigumma police limits.
According to police, the case came to light when Anushka’s brother, Satyaban Patra (42), lodged a complaint at Borigumma police station on February 23 after his sister and nephew went missing. Following the complaint, police launched a detailed investigation.
During the probe, police arrested P. Adi Narayan Rao, the boyfriend of the deceased’s daughter, and his associate Preet Nayak. Based on their disclosure, the bodies of Anushka and Eham were recovered.
Koraput SP Rohit Varma said, “The first case related to this family was registered on December 25 last year, when Anushka alleged that her daughter had been kidnapped. During court proceedings, the daughter denied the claim, and Rao was released. Later, Anushka moved her daughter to another location, opposing their relationship. Despite this, Rao maintained contact with her.
On February 13, Rao took Anushka’s daughter to Jagannath Jani’s house without her mother’s knowledge. On February 15, they held a birthday celebration, a photo of which was shared on Instagram Stories. When the daughter’s aunt saw the post, she informed Anushka, who went to Jagannath’s house and brought her daughter back. Rao, angered that Anushka would not approve the relationship, allegedly conspired with the others.
On the night of February 18, the accused entered the house. Rao held Anushka while Preet Nayak attacked her with a knife. Eham woke up during the incident; Rao held him while Preet attacked him as well. The weapon and the vehicle used to transport the bodies were seized,” the SP added.
The remaining two accused, Adi Narayan Panigrahi and Jagannath Jani, who allegedly assisted in the crime, were also arrested. All four accused are to be forwarded for legal proceedings.
The minor daughter of the deceased has been taken into custody and will be produced before the PMJJB court in Jeypore.
The investigation into the case is ongoing.
