Jharsuguda: In a significant development, law enforcement in Odisha’s Jharsuguda district has arrested a murder suspect who had managed to evade capture for approximately 28 years following his escape from police custody in 1998.
Authorities identified the suspect as Nilamani Mahanand, aged 51, from Bhundupali village within the Rengali police jurisdiction. He was apprehended in Raigarh, Chhattisgarh, after a raid prompted by a tip-off. Following his arrest, he was presented before a court.
Mahanand was linked to a case filed under various sections of the Indian Penal Code, including 364, 302, 201, 109, and 34. His escape occurred during transport while he was still handcuffed.
The incident for which he was charged took place on October 9, 1998, when Duryodhan Deep was reportedly murdered due to prior animosity. Nilamani Mahanand, along with Ram Khadia and Lechi alias Biswanath Kahar, was named as a principal suspect following a complaint from the victim’s son at the Rengali police station.
Nilamani was arrested shortly after the murder; however, he escaped from Rengali police station under the pretense of needing to use the restroom. The other two suspects subsequently managed to secure bail.
For years, Nilamani remained elusive as police continued their search. After his escape, he reportedly altered his identity, adopting the name Raju Gonda, and settled in Raigarh. To facilitate his new life and avoid detection, he acquired an Aadhaar Card and PAN Card under his assumed name.
After extensive intelligence gathering, thorough verification, and relentless efforts, the police team from Jharsuguda finally located and arrested him. The accused has since been brought before the appropriate judicial authority for further legal action.
