Bhubaneswar, Nov 13: The Commissionerate Police on Friday recovered gold jewellery weighing nearly half a kilogram in connection with the sensational murder of 76-year-old Kunjalata Nanda at Buddhanagar in Bhubaneswar. The recovery is part of the ongoing investigation into the robbery-cum-murder case registered at Laxmisagar Police Station.
According to police sources, the seized valuables include 52 gold-coated playing cards and other gold ornaments collectively estimated to be worth more than Rs 10 lakh. Apart from the gold items, police have also recovered silver utensils, stolen cash and a scooty allegedly linked to the crime.
During the investigation, police found that the prime accused, caretaker Balaram Maharana alias Balia, had allegedly concealed the looted valuables at the house of his friend, Sabita Sethi, in Brahmagiri area of Puri district. Before leaving the belongings there, he reportedly told her that he was going outside for work.
Police said Balaram confessed to murdering Kunjalata on November 3 with the intention of committing robbery. He was arrested from Vadodara in Gujarat nine days after the incident following a search operation.
Investigators have also arrested Sabita for her alleged involvement in helping the accused conceal the stolen valuables despite being aware of the crime. She is being questioned along with other persons linked to the case.
Balaram is currently on police remand, and the Commissionerate Police is interrogating him to establish the sequence of events and recover any remaining stolen property. Police are also examining the possible role of others in the case.
The latest recovery is expected to provide further evidence in the murder investigation.
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