Crime News / Sudhir Patra Murder Case: Police File 552-Page Chargesheet Against 13 Accused, List 68 Witnesses

Brahmapur, Jul 21: Police filed a 552-page chargesheet in the sensational kidnapping and murder case of Gopalpur-based plot trader Sudhir Patra, naming 13 accused and listing 68 witnesses, a source said Tuesday.

The chargesheet has been submitted before the JMFC Rural Court within the stipulated time, detailing the alleged conspiracy, abduction, ransom demand, murder and destruction of evidence.

Chargesheet Names 13 Accused, 68 Witnesses
According to police, the chargesheet identifies Sudhir Patra's nephew Tushar Patra, niece Nibedita Patra and her boyfriend Kalucharan Pradhan among the key conspirators.

The other accused named in the chargesheet are Narayan Pradhan, Ashish Mahapatra, Surya Pratap Singh alias Golu, Mukesh Sahu, Sumit Singh, Ranjan Mallik, Saroj Panda, Jiten Palai, Shubham Gouda and Shubham Nayak.

Investigating Officer Shubhranshu Sekhar Parida submitted the chargesheet, invoking charges related to kidnapping, criminal conspiracy, murder, destruction of evidence and other relevant offences.

Also Read: Family Feud, Witchcraft Suspicion Behind Brutal Murder of Berhampur Realtor Sudhir Patra: Police

Rs 2 Crore Ransom Demand Mentioned
The chargesheet stated that the accused allegedly kidnapped Sudhir Patra and demanded a ransom of Rs 2 crore. When the demand was not met, they allegedly murdered him.

Police said the findings are based on witness statements, forensic evidence and the investigation conducted over the past several weeks.

Double Encounter During Investigation
During the investigation, police on May 26 had conducted a double encounter involving two accused linked to the case.

The two were identified as Ranjan Mallik from Nuagaon, under Badagada police station limits, and Saroj Panda from Sikiri, under Hinjili police station limits.

Abducted While Returning Home
According to the police, Sudhir Patra was abducted on April 15, 2026, while returning home on his motorcycle after playing volleyball at Bhabanipur near Gopalpur.

Police said he was first forced into a Mahindra Bolero before being shifted to a Hyundai Venue near Polasara. He was then taken deep into the Ramapada forest under Buguda police station limits.

Investigators alleged that the accused brutally assaulted him with wooden planks, repeatedly kicked him and fired gunshots near him to terrorise him. The entire assault was allegedly recorded on video and sent to his wife, Rasmita Patra, while demanding Rs 2 crore as ransom.

Police said when the family expressed its inability to arrange such a large amount, the accused allegedly continued the assault, leading to Sudhir Patra's death.