Post news network
Cuttack, Dec 4: Two days after the body of Sabita Patra of Gamhadia was recovered from the septic tank of her house, Mahila police Thursday arrested her husband Radhakant Pradhan in connection with the murder.
The victim’s relatives alleged that Sabita was raped before being killed. They also claimed that more people other than her husband were involved in the gruesome crime.
Arati Nayak, the household help, said Sabita had given her fish curry to eat Sunday afternoon. However, when she asked Radhakant about the whereabouts of Sabita the next day, the latter kept mum, Arati alleged.
Sabita’s brother, Sushil Patra, claimed that his sister was tortured by her husband and that the killing was premeditated. Patra alleged that Radhakant killed Sabita with help of miscreants before dumping the body in the septic tank to destroy the evidence. He has sought stern action against the accused.
Police commissioner RP Sharma said the forensic team has seized blood-stained clothes from the crime spot, adding that Sabita’s body bore injury marks. It is suspected that Sabita was killed by her husband,, he said. However, the actual reason behind the death can be ascertained only after the post-mortem report is submitted, he said.
Mahila Police inspector Sujata Jena said the authenticity of allegations leveled by the deceased’s family is being verified.
Police Tuesday recovered the decomposed body of Sabita, who was missing since November 22, from the septic tank of her house at Gamhadia under Manglabag police limits. Radhakant had filed a complaint in this regard with the Mahila police.
Sabita’s brother had also filed a complaint with the Mahila police, suspecting foul play. He also said that he believed his sister was tortured by her husband.
Sabita’s husband had Monday informed police that his wife’s body was floating in the septic tank of his house. However, police could not retrieve the body that night. The body was finally retrieved Tuesday.