Four Arrested in Jogiapalli Murder; Police Unravel Conspiracy Behind Killing of History-Sheeter Santosh Patra

Manoj Kanta Dash, Odishabarta

Brahmapur, November 11, 2026 :Nimakhandi Police have successfully arrested four persons in connection with the sensational murder of B. Santosh Patra, popularly known as Santu, who was allegedly hacked to death with swords in front of his house at Old Jogiapalli village on November 8. His father, Budha Patra alias Tamaya Patra, was also seriously injured when he attempted to intervene.

The killing, reportedly motivated by previous enmity, has brought an end to the sense of fear that Santosh had allegedly created in certain localities within his area of influence. Santosh was reportedly involved in several criminal cases registered at different police stations. However, his murder has also raised questions about the circumstances that led to the violent attack and the possible involvement of others in the conspiracy.

According to the police investigation, an altercation had taken place between Santosh and accused persons Sonu Gouda and Rohit Gouda, along with their family members, during the Thakurani Yatra celebrations at Old Jogiapalli on the night of November 7. Investigators suspect that previous hostility provided the motive for the subsequent attack.

Police further established that Alok Sahu, allegedly harbouring a grudge against Santosh, joined hands with Ajit Patra to arrange two swords. They subsequently met Rohit Gouda and Sonu Gouda at Old Jogiapalli, where they allegedly conspired to eliminate Santosh.

On the morning of November 8, between 9.30 AM and 10.30 AM, Rohit Gouda and Alok Sahu allegedly attacked Santosh with sharp-edged weapons in front of his residence. When his father intervened, he too was assaulted. Santosh was rushed to MKCG Medical College and Hospital, Brahmapur, where doctors declared him dead.

Four Arrested; Further Investigation Underway

Following the murder, Nimakhandi Police conducted raids at different locations and arrested all four accused on November 11 at around 11.30 AM, after completing the necessary legal formalities.

The arrested persons have been identified as:

Alok Sahu (26) of Birakrushnachandrapur village under Nimakhandi Police Station.

Rohit Gouda (24) of Old Jogiapalli village under Nimakhandi Police Station.

M. Ajit Patra alias M. Arun Kumar Patra (23) of G. Jagannathpur (Palligaon) under Nimakhandi Police Station.

Sonu Gouda (20) of Gouda Sahi, Jarada, under Jarada Police Station.

During the investigation, police seized two Katis (swords), allegedly used in the crime, and a blue Hero Honda Splendor Plus motorcycle without a registration number. The seizures were made in the presence of an Executive Magistrate and independent witnesses.

The accused are being forwarded to court under Sections 103(1), 109(1), 61(2) and 3(5) of the Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita (BNS), along with Sections 25 and 27 of the Arms Act.

Readers may have suggest although police have arrested all four alleged conspirators and attackers, the complete criminal backgrounds, motive of individual roles and possible wider connections of the accused are yet to be officially established. Further investigation is expected to clarify the extent of their involvement and the circumstances surrounding the alleged conspiracy.

The murder has also revived concerns over violent incidents during major festivals in the region.

Notably,the killing of Pitabas Panda on Kumar Purnima last year and the murder of Santosh Patra around the Diwali festivities have once again drawn attention to public safety and the need for effective preventive policing during festive occasions.