3 held in Bihar for Rayagada youth’s murder

Koraput: Three accused from Bihar were arrested for the murder of 19-year-old Hadipa Nikhil in Rayagada district, after an extensive multi-state manhunt, officials said on Saturday.

The accused — Umesh Hial, Raj Seemli and Akshaya Samal alias Tinkulu — were apprehended from the Madanpur police station limits in Bihar’s Aurangabad district while allegedly trying to evade arrest.

Nikhil was allegedly abducted and murdered on the night of May 9 during a local puja celebration at Budurabhalasa Sahi in Rayagada town. Police said, armed miscreants chased him and intercepted him at Indira Nagar Third Lane, where they opened fire. He sustained bullet injuries to his chest and waist before being abducted in a critical condition.

Investigators suspect the attackers murdered him and dumped his body near the banks of the Nagavali river before fleeing. His body was recovered on May 10 morning, triggering widespread outrage and tension in Rayagada town. Residents staged protests, road blockades and demonstrations demanding immediate arrest of the accused.

South-western range DIG Kanwar Vishal Singh said six special police teams were formed under the supervision of Rayagada SP Swathy S Kumar to trace the accused.

“The accused were changing locations and police teams narrowly missed them several times both inside and outside Odisha during the operation. After sustained pursuit and technical surveillance, the prime accused were finally apprehended in Bihar,” the DIG said. He added that additional SP Ramendra Prasad headed the technical investigation team, which played a crucial role in tracking the accused's movement.

Police said the arrested persons are being brought to Rayagada on transit remand after completion of legal formalities. Raids are continuing at multiple locations, and more arrests are likely in the coming days. “Prima facie, the murder appears to be a fallout of past enmity between the deceased and the accused. Investigation is still underway and more details are awaited,” Singh added.

Sources said Nikhil was allegedly murdered following a dispute over the distribution of around Rs 1 crore in cash and ornaments looted from a gambling den in Bandhugaon in Koraput.