Bhubaneswar, May 14: The Odisha Crime Branch has arrested the prime accused, Ranjit Patra alias Chinu (24), in connection with the sensational murder that took place on May 7 in the Bhingarpur-Kaja area under Balianta Police Station in Khordha district.

According to an official release issued by the CID Crime Branch on Thursday, Ranjit Patra, a resident of Gangeswargada under Cuttack Sadar police limits, was apprehended based on substantial evidence gathered during the ongoing investigation.

Investigators revealed that the accused and his associates allegedly tied the victim’s hands and legs with ropes before brutally assaulting him. During the attack, the victim was repeatedly hit on the head with a bamboo stick, causing fatal injuries that ultimately led to his death.

With the arrest of Ranjit Patra, the total number of accused persons arrested in the case has risen to 13. Earlier, 11 accused had been arrested by the local police. Another accused, Bunty alias Judhisthira Jena (22), was arrested by the Crime Branch on May 11 as part of the intensified probe.

The case has been registered under Sections 103(1) and 3(5) of the Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita (BNS), 2023. Following directions from the Odisha government, the Crime Branch took over the investigation considering the seriousness and public sensitivity surrounding the incident.

Officials said the investigation is continuing on a priority basis, and efforts are underway to identify and arrest the remaining persons involved in the crime.

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