Bhubaneswar, April 13 (NationPress) In a pivotal development, law enforcement officials successfully unraveled a high-profile murder investigation involving a young man who was fatally shot in Odisha's Jajpur district on April 6. Five individuals, including the victim's wife, have been apprehended, as reported by Yashpratap Shrimal, Superintendent of Police for Jajpur district.

The suspects include Subhasree Behera, the wife of the deceased Soumya Sagar Samal, along with her alleged lover and cousins: the primary suspect Tapas Kumar Khilar (26) and Priti Prava Priyadarsini Khilar (alias Chinu), all hailing from Jajpur district. Additionally, the individuals accused of supplying the firearms used in the murder, Suraj Singh (27) and Ankit Thakur (27), are from Sundargarh district.

On the evening of April 6, as Soumya was returning to his rented residence in Kalimegha after closing his chicken shop in Gariapur Chhak, an assailant on a motorcycle opened fire, inflicting severe injuries. He was immediately transported to Jajpur District Headquarters Hospital before being transferred to SCB Medical College and Hospital in Cuttack, where he later succumbed to his injuries.

In a press conference, the Jajpur SP indicated that three investigative teams were formed due to the case's sensitive nature. Shrimal disclosed that the principal suspect, Tapas, employed as a driver in Rourkela, alongside the firearm suppliers, was captured in their hideout in Rourkela, Sundargarh district.

According to police reports, Subhasree, who was employed at a beauty salon, had been involved in a relationship with co-accused Priti long before her marriage to the deceased approximately 18 months ago. During her visits to Priti's home, Subhasree also allegedly formed a bond with Priti's cousin, Tapas.

Even after her marriage, Subhasree reportedly maintained relationships with both cousins, often traveling with Tapas without her husband’s knowledge. Encouraged by Tapas, she attempted to divorce Soumya, who resisted her attempts.

Shortly after their wedding, Soumya reportedly discovered the alleged love triangle involving his wife, Subhasree, Priti, and Tapas. He strongly opposed the situation and warned them to cease their activities, but his efforts were in vain.

On March 4, Soumya had a confrontation with Tapas regarding the matter and questioned his cousin's character, which allegedly motivated Tapas to plot his murder. Subsequently, he acquired a locally-made pistol and received training from Suraj and Ankit, funded by Priti with approximately Rs 49,000.

Following their scheme, Tapas, acting on information from Subhasree and Priti about Soumya's whereabouts, shot Soumya on April 6, leading to his untimely death.