Ganjam murder accused held from Chennai after 24 yrs

Berhampur: On the run for 24 years, police arrested a murder accused on Monday from Chennai where he was working in a construction firm under a different identity.The accused, 52-year-old Udaya Pradhan, a resident of Keranditola village in the district, and his two brothers had allegedly hacked Kaibalya Pradhan to death on July 6, 2001 over a family dispute. Police arrested Musha Pradhan (now 48), one of Udaya's brothers, on the same day of the murder. But Udaya and his elder brother Pancham had managed to flee.Police had tried to arrest him several times, but could not succeed. Recently, Udaya got in touch with some of his old acquaintances and villagers over phone, a police source said. Upon hearing the news, police launched an investigation. "After getting reliable information, a police team went to Chennai and successfully nabbed him," SP (Ganjam) Subhendu Patra said.The arrest was carried out as part of Operation Garuda, launched by Odisha Police on Aug 1. During the two-week, state-wide drive, police have been cracking down on organized crime, smuggling and anti-social activities and have been executing long-pending warrants."In Chennai, Udaya had changed his name to Ganesh," said Sabyasachi Malla, inspector in-charge, Chamakhandi police station. According to police, Udaya and Pancham had fled to Bangalore. Later, following a dispute with his brother, Udaya moved to Chennai. His family members continued to remain in the village. Pancham, however, is still on the run. "We are trying to arrest him," said Malla.Musha, who had been awarded a life term, has been released from jail.