The Baleswar police on Thursday apprehended seven persons in connection with the ghastly murder of hardcore criminal Susant Das (38) alias Khasua that took place on Wednesday evening in the town.
Khasua was murdered by his rival gang when he along with his associates was having a compromise discussion with their opponent group over a past dispute between them in a field.
locals said there were heated arguments followed by scuffles and then war between the two armed groups, resulting in the murder of Khasua.
Khasua had over more than 100 cases registered against him in different police stations. In 2014, he was booked under the National Security Act (NSA) in the second week of March. He was also arrested in connection with his pending cases.
He was in jail as under-trial prisoner before being released on temporary bail about five days ago.
locals as well as police said that a gang headed by another history-sheeter Papa Panda was the prime suspect for Khasua’s murder. Panda is at large following the incident.
Khasua’s wife Anita Das said, “Papa Panda and his group killed my husband over previous rivalry.”
local Councillor Kailash Bihari Dash said, “Although I had informed police several times about the fighting here yet the police didn’t come in time. They came when everything was over.”
The autopsy of Khasua was carried out on Wednesday night itself with special permission. The body had
injury marks at several places, suggesting he was attacked with a sharp weapon and stones as well.
“Papa Panda is suspected to be the prime accused. He is at large, and efforts are on to nab him,” said Sahadevkhunta police station IIC Pragyan Mohanty, adding that a case has been registered under Sections 302 and 34 of IPC.