Berhampur: Ganjam Police have arrested eight persons for their alleged involvement in the murder of Councillor Laxmidutta Pradhan of Ward-6 in Chhatrapur of the district.
Those arrested were identified as Pravat Kumar Nayak alias Sonu, Surjya Kumar Nayak, Prem Kumar Nayak, N. Ishwar Reddy, Kuna Nayak, Jiten Kumar Nayak, Susila Nayak and Prasant Swain. Seven of the eight accused hail from Chhatrapur while one (Prasant) is a resident of Kodala village
They had been on the run since September 16, when the councillor was hacked to death near LIC Colony in Chhatrapur, and were nabbed following raids at different places, said Ganjam SP Ashish Kumar Singh.
At a press meeting on Friday, Singh said the murder was a well-planned conspiracy and the fallout of past enmity. Three motorcycles, a car and weapons used in the crime were seized from their possession.
“We will seek 5-day police remand of four of the accused,” the SP added.
