BERHAMPUR: In a case that has sent shockwaves through Ganjam district, the Berhampur Police have unraveled a chilling conspiracy involving kidnapping, a ₹2 crore ransom demand, and the cold-blooded murder of 47-year-old real estate tycoon Sudhir Kumar Patra. Among the nine arrested are the victim’s own niece and nephew, who allegedly orchestrated the hit over a bizarre mix of business disputes and superstitions involving “black magic.”
The Grudge: Revenge for a “Supernatural” Death
The roots of the crime date back to June 2025, following the death of Sudhir’s elder brother, Monoj Kumar Patra. Investigators revealed that Monoj’s children, Nibedita Patra (23) and Tushar Kumar Patra (19), harbored deep-seated animosity toward their uncle. They allegedly blamed Sudhir for their father’s untimely death, claiming he had used “black magic” against him. This personal vendetta was further fueled by a long-standing dispute over the family’s lucrative real estate business.
The Kidnapping and Torture
On the evening of April 15, 2026, Sudhir was returning from a volleyball match in Gopalpur when he was abducted at gunpoint. The kidnappers initially used a Bolero (OR-07-Y-6082) to transport him, later switching to a Venue car (GJ-05-RK-7143) near Mathura to evade detection.
The victim was taken to the secluded Rama Pada Jungle under Buguda Police limits. To terrorize the family into paying a ₹2 crore ransom, the kidnappers brutally assaulted Sudhir with wooden planks and fired shots near his body. They recorded the torture on video and sent it to his wife, Rasmita Kumari Patra. However, the brutality proved fatal, and Sudhir succumbed to his injuries in the jungle.
A Meticulous Investigation
Following the FIR lodged on April 16, a team led by SDPO Sadar Subhransu Sekhar Parida utilized technical surveillance and mobile analysis to track the suspects. The investigation led to the grim discovery of Sudhir’s decomposed body near the Ketamani Hills in Sorada.
Police found that Nibedita Patra had been in constant contact with a criminal associate, Kalu Charan Pradhan, for five years, passing him information on Sudhir’s movements and finances.
The Arrested and Their Criminal Past
The police have apprehended nine individuals, including several with significant criminal histories:
- Nibedita & Tushar Patra: The masterminds (Children of the victim’s late brother).
- Kalu Charan Pradhan: The lead coordinator.
- Jitun Polei: Has prior cases involving NDPS, sexual assault, and robbery.
- Narayan Pradhan (Kamal): Wanted in Gujarat for murder and organized crime under the GCTOC Act.
- Surya Pratap Singh (Golu): A criminal associate from Varanasi, Uttar Pradesh.
- Others: Ashis Mahapatra, Subham Nayak, and Subham Gouda.
Seizures and Current Status
Police seized 14 mobile phones, the Bolero and Venue vehicles, and a 7.65mm country-made pistol. All nine accused are being forwarded to court today, with police seeking remand for further interrogation. Authorities have confirmed that more arrests are likely as they track down additional accomplices involved in the wider conspiracy.
