48 Hours, 300+ CCTV Cameras: Police Track Down Nayapalli Sexual Assault Suspect

News Desk,Odishabarta

Accused Injured in Police Firing After Allegedly Attacking Officers With Screwdriver

Bhubaneswar, Oct 4: In a high-intensity 48-hour operation involving more than 300 CCTV cameras and around 100 police personnel, the Bhubaneswar Commissionerate Police have tracked down a 24-year-old habitual offender allegedly involved in the sensational Nayapalli sexual assault case.

The accused, identified as Sreedhar Panda alias Santosh, was injured in police firing on Saturday after he allegedly attempted to attack a police officer with a screwdriver during his apprehension in the Chandaka area on the outskirts of Bhubaneswar.

According to Commissioner of Police S. Dev Datta Singh, the incident took place last Wednesday in Behera Sahi under Nayapalli police limits. The accused allegedly entered a house initially with the intention of committing burglary. Finding a young woman alone inside, he allegedly threatened her with an object resembling a firearm.

Police investigation subsequently revealed that the object was reportedly a pistol-shaped lighter and not an actual firearm.

The suspect allegedly used it to intimidate the woman before sexually assaulting her and fleeing the house.

Multi-Stage Escape.

After the alleged crime, the accused reportedly changed his mode of transportation several times in an attempt to avoid detection. Police said he travelled by Ama Bus, then an auto-rickshaw and subsequently used a stolen motorcycle.

The Nayapalli police team, assisted by the Commissionerate Police Special Squad, launched an extensive manhunt immediately after the incident.

300+ CCTV Feeds Analysed

The investigation involved approximately 100 police personnel, who examined technical intelligence and footage from more than 300 CCTV cameras installed at different locations across Bhubaneswar.

By analysing the suspect’s movements and correlating CCTV footage with technical inputs, investigators gradually narrowed down his location.

The operation eventually led police to a secluded location within the Chandaka police station area on Saturday, where the suspect was traced and a team moved in to apprehend him.

Police Open Fire in Self-Defence:-

Police said the accused resisted arrest and allegedly tried to attack a Nayapalli police Sub-Inspector with a screwdriver.

Faced with what police described as an immediate threat to the officer’s life, the police team opened two rounds of fire in self-defence.

Panda sustained bullet injuries to his left leg and lower body and was immediately shifted under police guard to Capital Hospital, Bhubaneswar, for treatment.

Bhubaneswar DCP Dr.Sarvana Vivek.M said the accused is a habitual offender with previous criminal cases, including allegations relating to mobile-phone thefts and burglary in the Khandagiri and Tamando police station areas.

Police said the formal arrest and subsequent legal procedures will be completed after the accused is declared medically fit by doctors.

Forensic and Background Investigation Underway:-

Meanwhile, police have continued their investigation into the sexual assault allegation. Medical examinations and forensic procedures relating to both the victim and the accused are being conducted as part of the investigation.

Investigators are also examining the accused’s movements before and after the incident and trying to establish whether he had any previous acquaintance with the victim or whether the house was allegedly targeted opportunistically.

The police are also examining the CCTV footage and other technical evidence collected during the 48-hour investigation to reconstruct the suspect’s movements and establish the sequence of events.

The allegations against the accused remain subject to investigation and judicial determination.