Tension has gripped Kumbharapada in Puri following a shocking murder allegedly committed inside a rented house. Police are searching for a man identified as Madan Dalai, a native of Paralakhemundi, who is suspected of killing his mother and concealing her body beneath a plastered slab inside the kitchen.
Madan had reportedly been living in the rented accommodation for around four months. After the alleged murder, he reportedly fled the area, prompting the Puri police to launch a major search operation. Multiple teams have been formed under the leadership of the Puri City DSP to trace the suspect.
Police have also shared the suspect’s photograph with the Paralakhemundi police and are coordinating with them to track his whereabouts. Investigators are examining phone records and CCTV footage as part of the probe. The house owner reportedly did not have identity documents related to the tenant, making the investigation more challenging.
Crime Suspected to Have Taken Place Five Days Ago
Following a scientific investigation, police suspect that the murder may have taken place around five days before the body was recovered. The rented house has been sealed, and a home guard has been deployed outside the premises.
CCTV footage installed by the house owner is now being examined for crucial evidence. Neighbours reportedly said they had rarely seen the mother and son in the locality. Investigators are collecting footage and other evidence to reconstruct their movements and activities.
Scientific Team Collects Evidence
The scientific team has collected samples from the crime scene, including a knife and utensils, among other items. The body was recovered and sent for post-mortem examination, with police awaiting the autopsy report to determine further details about the cause and circumstances of death.
The police have intensified efforts to locate the accused and are coordinating with law enforcement authorities in Paralakhemundi. Officials are also examining all available digital and physical evidence to establish the sequence of events.
Following the incident, police have urged landlords to maintain proper identity documents and verification records of tenants before renting out their properties. The case remains under investigation, while efforts are underway to trace the accused.