Bhubaneswar, Dec 18: A major breakthrough has been achieved in the Dhauli Dayanadi Patha gang‑rape case, with the Commissionerate Police arresting the prime accused, Satyaprakash Hati, widely known as “Joker Happy.”

He was apprehended from the Ganjam region after an intensive search operation. However, two other accused involved in the crime remain on the run, and efforts are underway to trace them.

Criminal History

According to police sources, Happy is a habitual offender with a long criminal history. Records show that he has over 20 cases registered against him across Badagada and Dhauli police stations.

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His criminal activities began in 2018 when he was first arrested for vehicle theft. After being released on bail, he was again arrested in 2022 for attacking a man with a blade in Sishupalgarh.

In February 2024, Happy was involved in a violent clash in his village, during which he and his associates allegedly attacked police personnel. He fled the scene but later surrendered in court fearing further action. His criminal streak continued, and in June 2025, he was arrested once again for assaulting a man with a bottle near the Puri bypass.

Police officials revealed that Happy had been released on bail just a week ago, on Tuesday. Shockingly, he committed the brutal gang‑rape the very next day, raising serious concerns about repeat offenders misusing bail provisions.

To strengthen the investigation, Dhauli police is conducting a crime‑scene recreation with the arrested accused. This step is expected to help establish the sequence of events and gather additional evidence.

The incident has sparked widespread outrage, with demands for stricter monitoring of habitual offenders and faster legal action. Police have assured that all remaining accused will be arrested soon.