Balangir: Police on Saturday detected a murder-for-hire conspiracy in which a man allegedly plotted the killing of his younger brother by hiring the victim’s closest friend. Eight people, including the mastermind elder brother, were arrested.The deceased, Nataraj Thanapati (35) of Deulguri village under Tusura police limits in Balangir district, was found dead under the Tel river bridge on Jan 2, just a month before his wedding.The accused are the victim’s elder brother, Nabakumar Thanapati (43), his close friend Kshetramohan Suna (32) and six others — Milan Bohidar (38), Mahadeb Bag (19), Ranjit Mishra (25), Sahil Bagarty (22), Manoj Selma (25) and Raja Kumbhar (30). They hail from various villages under Tusura, Deogaon, Saintala, Titilagarh and Lathor police stations of Balangir district.“The prime motive was a prolonged financial dispute. Nabakumar conspired to eliminate Nataraj to seize landed properties, cash and the family business,” said Balangir SP Abhilash G.Nabakumar paid token money of Rs 60,000 via online transactions to group members and promised another Rs 2 lakhs after the murder.Sources said a few years ago, the brother duo parted from the family business and opened separate shops. The elder brother drove out his parents, who began living with the younger brother.Police stated Nabakumar contacted his brother’s best friend, Kshetramohan, offering money for the contract killing, then he enlisted six associates in the crime. On the day of the murder, the group assembled at Dunguripali petrol pump, consumed alcohol and proceeded to Tel river bridge in two cars and on a motorcycle.Around midnight, Kshetramohan lured Nataraj to the bridge, citing urgency. After the victim arrived, Kshetramohan excused himself to fetch water. Meanwhile, the other assailants rushed in, assaulted Nataraj, and pushed him from the bridge. He fell over 50 feet onto the rocky riverbed, succumbing to critical head injuries on the spot.Initially, an unnatural death case was registered based on the elder brother’s complaint. Subsequent investigation using scientific evidence, cyber forensics, post-mortem reports and inquiries revealed the murder conspiracy, added the SP.Police examination of the deceased’s call history confirmed frequent contact with his friend just before the incident. This led to scrutiny of bank accounts and transactions, confirming Nabakumar’s involvement. All accused later confessed during interrogation.
