Bhubaneswar, Jun 20: Odisha witnessed two major breakthroughs in murder investigations this week, with Commissionerate Police in Bhubaneswar and Rourkela Police successfully cracking separate cases that had shocked local communities.

In Bhubaneswar’s Pahal area, police arrested two accused — Aditya Narayan Nayak and Biswajit Behera — in connection with the gruesome murder of Prabhat Behera.

The incident stemmed from a long‑standing enmity and a dispute over liquor consumption. Investigators revealed that the accused had plotted revenge after a quarrel at a liquor shop on June 8.

Also read: Two Key Accused Shot In Police Encounter During Murder Probe In Rourkela

On June 16, they lured the victim near Anantapur canal under the pretext of drinking together. There, they attacked him with beer bottles, leading to his death.

Commissionerate Police confirmed that CCTV footage, call records, and the statement of witness Kunu Bhoi helped establish the sequence of events. Two other suspects have fled outside the state, and a special squad has been deployed to track them down.

Meanwhile, in Rourkela, police cracked the murder of youth Tufan Bindhani, who was brutally killed on June 16 in Sector‑6. The attackers slit his throat with sharp weapons in broad daylight, allegedly due to old rivalry and disputes linked to illegal liquor trade.

Acting on intelligence, police tracked suspects Chunu and Santosh Patra to the Jhilmilpani area. When confronted, the duo opened fire on police officers, forcing the team to retaliate with four rounds of gunfire in self‑defence.

Both suspects were subdued and arrested. In total, five accused have been taken into custody, with firearms, ammunition, and sharp weapons seized. Efforts are underway to nab other absconding members of the gang.

Authorities emphasized that investigations will continue until all fugitives are apprehended and justice is delivered to the victims’ families.