Bhubaneswar: A suspected love triangle has emerged as the prime motive in the murder of 27-year-old taxi driver Satyabrata Pradhan in Niladri Vihar, with police confirming that jealousy and suspicion appear to have triggered the fatal attack.
The main accused, Dinesh Nayak, surrendered before police on Tuesday evening in connection with the killing of Satyabrata Pradhan, a native of Hasinipur village under Brahmagiri in Puri district.
According to ACP Sonal Singh Parmar, the incident took place on the intervening night of February 8 and 9. Liza, who was staying in a rented house at Niladri Vihar, was in a relationship with Dinesh. Police said Dinesh, who is previously married in Jagatsinghpur and has a daughter, frequently visited her.
Investigators revealed that Dinesh suspected Liza of having an affair with Satyabrata. On the night of the incident, when Liza did not respond to his repeated phone calls, Dinesh allegedly travelled from Jagatsinghpur to Bhubaneswar.
Police said Dinesh reportedly found Satyabrata and Liza together in a room. In a sudden outburst of anger, he allegedly stabbed Satyabrata before fleeing the scene.
Despite sustaining critical injuries, Satyabrata managed to step out of the house and collapsed near Mangala Mandir Chhak. Locals, along with Liza, rushed him to Capital Hospital in an ambulance. However, he later succumbed to his injuries.
After the incident, Dinesh went into hiding. Police intensified efforts to trace him, following which he surrendered. He has been arrested and will be produced before a court.
ACP Parmar clarified that so far, no evidence has been found to establish Liza’s involvement in the murder. Further investigation into the case is underway.
