Chhendipada (Anugola): Bagadia police have cracked the murder case of Dilip Sethi of Kanaloi village in Odisha’s Anugola district, arresting his wife, Saudamini Sethi, and her alleged lover, Khageswar Sahu, within 48 hours of the crime.

According to police, the murder was allegedly motivated by an extramarital relationship between Saudamini and Khageswar, a resident of Badasahi in Nuagaon. Investigators said the duo planned to kill Dilip as he opposed their relationship.

A case was registered at Bagadia police station under Case No. 347/26 following a complaint lodged by the deceased’s mother, Sauri Sethi. Dilip was allegedly murdered on the night of Dussehra.

Poison allegedly mixed with food

According to the police investigation, rat poison was allegedly mixed into Dilip’s food on the night of Dussehra. After he became unconscious, he was killed, police said.

In an alleged attempt to conceal their involvement, the two accused went to watch an opera performance being staged in the village. They reportedly returned home at around 2.40 am, after which Saudamini allegedly attempted to mislead others by claiming that an unidentified person had murdered her husband.

Axe, bloodstained clothes seized

Bagadia police, along with the Anugola scientific team, conducted a joint investigation into the case. Investigators seized an axe allegedly used in the crime, bloodstained clothes and a piece of cloth allegedly used to strangulate the victim.

Police said technical evidence and other material collected during the investigation helped establish the alleged involvement of the two accused.

Both Saudamini Sethi and Khageswar Sahu were arrested and produced before a court. Police on Friday said the case was cracked within 48 hours of the murder.

The allegations against the accused are subject to judicial proceedings.