Crime News / ‘Hanuman Coin’ Deal Under Police Lens In Balangir Businessman Kidnapping Case

Balangir, Aug 16: A reported dispute over an alleged transaction involving a ‘Hanuman coin’ has emerged as a possible line of inquiry in the kidnapping of Balangir businessman Narendra Sahu, also known as Gunda Sahu. Police are questioning Sahu and alleged mastermind Khitish Sahu as part of the ongoing investigation.

Narendra Sahu, a hotel owner and real estate businessman, reached Balangir early Sunday after being rescued by police from the Khandagiri area of Bhubaneswar, a source said.

Narendra underwent a medical examination at Bhima Bhoi Medical College and Hospital in Balangir before being taken to the Police Reserve Office, where he is currently being questioned.

Police are also questioning Khitish Sahu, who is being kept at an undisclosed location. The investigation is being conducted under the supervision of the Balangir Superintendent of Police.

According to the source, police questioning has brought to light an alleged dispute over a ‘Hanuman coin’ transaction involving around Rs 3 crore. The dispute is reportedly around four years old.

The development comes a day after Balangir SP said the businessman could have been targeted over business rivalry and that the kidnapping appeared to have been carried out after planned surveillance.

Police are continuing to search for other people allegedly involved in the case.

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How Narendra Was Rescued?
During the investigation, police traced Sahu’s mobile phone to an area near DN Regalia Mall in Bhubaneswar. Acting on the location inputs, the Balangir Police, with assistance from the Commissionerate Police, formed multiple teams and launched a search operation. The police teams later raided an apartment near DN Regalia Mall and rescued Sahoo on Saturday afternoon. However, the alleged abductors reportedly fled the spot before police could apprehend them.

A search operation has been launched to identify and arrest those involved in the alleged abduction and assault.