Titilagarh: Police arrested the main accused Ujjwalamani Bagh Monday in connection with the murder of Rajendra Chhatar of Ghantabahali village here in Bolangir district and produced him in a court.
Speaking to reporters, sub-divisional police officer Surendra Narayan Satpathy, IIC Prabhat Ranjan Mohanty and sub-inspector Mohini Mallik said there was a love angle behind the murder.
According to police sources, Ujjwalamani had an illicit relationship with the wife of Rajendra since 2007. On the fateful day, he waited for Rajendra at a bridge near Ghantabahali village. At around 4 pm, as Rajendra came by on a bike, Ujjwalamani asked for a lift and both went to an isolated place.
An accomplice of Ujjwalamani was present at the spot. They drank alcohol and then strangled Rajendra with a towel. Later, in order to give the crime a colour of accident they damaged the bike of Rajendra.
The police registered a case under Sections 302 and 34 of IPC and continued investigation.
A manhunt for Ujjwalamani’s accomplice is on, police said, adding they are also investigating the role of the victim’s wife.
PNN