Bhubaneswar double murder solved in 24 hours: Two juveniles held for Kolathia attack
Synopsis
Two juveniles — a Class XII student and a Class X examinee — were arrested within 24 hours for the brutal iron-rod killing of a temple priest and his BSc-student son in Bhubaneswar. Police say the accused wore masks, carried chilli powder, and planned the assault over a personal grudge, dismissing their claim that murder was never the intent.
Key Takeaways
Bhubaneswar Commissionerate Police solved the double murder within 24 hours of the crime on 28-29 June 2026 .
Victims: Himanshu Padhi , 54, a temple priest, and his son Krushna Prasad Padhi , 20, a BSc student — both killed in the attack at Kolathia, Khandagiri .
Daughter Tapashi Padhi was also attacked and remains under treatment at AIIMS, Bhubaneswar .
Two juveniles aged 16 and 17 — a Class XII student and a Class X examinee — were apprehended as the accused.
Police recovered iron rods , chilli powder , masks, and clothing, and concluded the attack was premeditated murder despite the accused claiming otherwise.
The motive, according to Commissioner S.
Dev Datta Singh , was a personal grudge over the deceased's alleged harassment of a girl known to one of the accused.
Bhubaneswar Commissionerate Police cracked a double murder case in Kolathia within 24 hours, apprehending two juvenile students — aged 16 and 17 — for the fatal late-night assault on a father-son duo at Khandagiri police limits during the intervening night of 28 and 29 June. The victims, Himanshu Padhi, 54, a temple priest, and his son Krushna Prasad Padhi, 20, a second-year BSc student, both died from injuries sustained in the attack. A third victim, daughter Tapashi Padhi, remains under treatment.
How the Attack Unfolded
According to police, the two assailants forcibly entered the Padhi residence by breaking open the main door. They targeted Krushna with iron rods and other weapons, inflicting fatal injuries. When Himanshu and Tapashi intervened to help him, the attackers turned on them as well.
All three victims were rushed to AIIMS, Bhubaneswar. Krushna was declared brought dead on arrival. Himanshu, who had sustained critical injuries, succumbed during treatment early on 30 June. Tapashi continues to receive medical care.
Investigation and Evidence
Following registration of case 644/26 at Khandagiri police station, the Commissionerate Police formed multiple teams and launched an intensive probe using CCTV footage, local intelligence, and technical inputs. A scientific team and dog squad were also deployed at the crime scene.
Investigators seized two iron rods allegedly used as weapons, along with bottles containing chilli powder, clothing worn during the incident, a mobile phone, and other physical and biological evidence.
Who the Accused Are
The two juveniles — classified as children in conflict with the law (CCLs) — are students: one is a Class XII student and the other had appeared for the Class X examination.
Commissioner of Police S. Dev Datta Singh told reporters that the accused bore a grudge against the deceased Krushna, reportedly over his alleged harassment of a girl known to one of them. The accused claimed they had only intended to spray chilli powder and leave, with no plan to kill.
Police Conclusion on Intent
Police have rejected that claim. Investigators noted that the accused had worn masks, carried iron rods, and conducted a premeditated late-night assault — evidence that, according to police, points to a clear intention to commit murder rather than a spontaneous altercation. The swift resolution of the case within a single day has been attributed to coordinated multi-team deployment and forensic support.
As the case involves juvenile accused, it will be handled under the applicable provisions of the Juvenile Justice Act. The investigation remains ongoing.
Point of View
Weapons, and a specific target — yet are shielded by juvenile justice provisions that cap institutional sentences. The speed of the police response is commendable, but the case will test whether the legal framework adequately addresses the gravity of the crime. It also raises a harder question: when a personal grudge escalates to a masked, armed, midnight assault, at what point does the system treat the intent as adult-level culpability?
NationPress
1 Jul 2026
Frequently Asked Questions
Who were the victims in the Bhubaneswar Kolathia double murder case?
The victims were Himanshu Padhi , 54, a priest at a local temple, and his son Krushna Prasad Padhi , 20, a second-year BSc student. Both died from injuries sustained during a late-night attack at their home in Kolathia, Khandagiri, on the intervening night of 28 and 29 June 2026.
Who were arrested for the Bhubaneswar double murder?
Two juveniles aged 16 and 17 — classified as children in conflict with the law — were arrested. One is a Class XII student and the other appeared for the Class X examination. They were apprehended within 24 hours of the crime.
What was the motive behind the Kolathia murder?
According to Commissioner of Police S. Dev Datta Singh , the accused bore a personal grudge against the deceased Krushna Prasad Padhi, reportedly over his alleged harassment of a girl known to one of the juvenile accused. The accused claimed they only planned to spray chilli powder, but police concluded the assault was premeditated murder.
How did Bhubaneswar Police solve the case so quickly?
The Commissionerate Police deployed multiple teams using CCTV footage, local intelligence, and technical inputs, along with a scientific team and dog squad at the crime scene. Key evidence including iron rods, chilli powder bottles, clothing, and a mobile phone was recovered, enabling the arrest within 24 hours.
What happens next in the case given the accused are juveniles?
Since both accused are minors, the case will be processed under the provisions of the Juvenile Justice Act . The investigation is ongoing, and the matter is expected to be referred to the appropriate juvenile justice board.
