Bhubaneswar: In a significant development, the K. Nuagaon police on Tuesday arrested a woman in connection with the kidnapping and extortion of four victims in Ganjam district. This brings the total number of arrests to two, as the accused allegedly used a cobra to threaten the victims.
The woman, identified as Sunita Behera, was arrested following the initial detention of Pruthibiraj Sahu, a 24-year-old man from Bholasingi village, who was apprehended by the K. Nuagaon police on Monday.
According to reports, both individuals have now been forwarded to court after being arrested. During their investigation, the police discovered a surprising find at Sunita Behera’s residence: a large area behind her house where marijuana plants were cultivated.
The police, in collaboration with the excise department, have since destroyed over an acre of marijuana plants found there.
The case dates back to the kidnapping and extortion of four individuals, who were reportedly abducted and hidden in the Kerandimal Jungle near Chikiti.
The accused allegedly threatened and assaulted the victims, demanding a ransom of Rs 2 crore.
On the morning of January 26, one of the victims managed to escape and sought help at the Chikiti Tahasil Office, where he recounted the ordeal to the staff.
Upon receiving the information, the K. Nuagaon police quickly mobilized and rescued the remaining three victims. During the rescue operation, authorities discovered three snakes that had been used by the accused to intimidate the victims.
The case is currently under investigation as the authorities continue to uncover details related to the kidnapping, extortion.
