Puri: In a major breakthrough in the murder of a 16-year-old boy in Puri district’s Chilika Lake, police have arrested 18 accused persons within 48 hours. While prime suspect Ganesh Das was arrested first on Tuesday, the rest were taken into custody later.
According to Puri Superintendent of Police (SP) Prateek Singh, all 18 accused are residents of Chandraput village under Balugaon police limits in Khordha district. The arrests were made by Krushnaprasad police of Puri in connection with the incident that took place on August 11 following a violent fishing dispute.
Notably, a minor boy identified as Omm Shikari was killed while two others sustained injuries in the incident. Police have seized three boats and a wooden plank allegedly used in the crime from the accused.
Police subsequently launched an immediate and intensive investigation under the direct supervision of the Superintendent of Police.
Police said the incident occurred when the accused persons were allegedly stealing fish and prawns from the Chilika Lake area under Krushnaprasad. They reportedly faced opposition from locals, following which an argument escalated into a violent clash between the two groups. Two persons sustained serious injuries in the clash, while a minor boy died in the attack.
Following the incident, Krushnaprasad police registered a case and launched an investigation. Police conducted raids at several locations and arrested all 18 accused within 48 hours of the incident.
The SP said the arrested accused would be taken on remand and questioned further to ascertain the exact motive behind the incident and identify any other persons who may have been involved.
Police are also maintaining a strict vigil against illegal fishing and prawn theft in Chilika. Security measures in Chilika have been strengthened, with increased patrolling to prevent further incidents.
