Bhubaneswar, June 2: In a major breakthrough in the high-profile Balianta murder case, the Odisha Police Crime Branch has arrested the prime accused in connection with the brutal killing that took place on May 7 in the Bhingarpur-Kaja area under Balianta police limits on the outskirts of Bhubaneswar.

The accused has been identified as Pradeep Mangaraj alias Dipu (46), son of late Pratap Chandra Mangaraj and a resident of Benupur village under Balianta Police Station limits. According to a statement issued by the CID Crime Branch on Tuesday, Dipu was apprehended from Dhenkanal late Monday night following sustained efforts by the investigating team.

Officials said the arrest was made on the basis of substantial evidence collected during the course of the investigation. The accused has been booked under Sections 103(1) and 3(5) of the Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita (BNS), 2023.

The Crime Branch stated that its investigation has established Dipu’s alleged involvement in the assault that led to the death of the victim. With his arrest, the total number of persons taken into custody in connection with the case has risen to 18.

The murder had triggered widespread outrage and drew significant public attention, prompting the state government to entrust the investigation to the Crime Branch.

Officials said the probe is being conducted on a priority basis, with investigators continuing to gather evidence and identify the role of other individuals involved. Efforts are currently underway to trace and apprehend the remaining accused linked to the incident.

The Crime Branch has assured that all those responsible for the crime will be brought to justice as the investigation progresses.

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