Dhenkanal: In connection with the murder of a minor college student in Dhenkanal district, police have arrested four persons, including the prime accused.

The girl’s body was recovered on March 19 from a forest near Saruali village under Kamakshanagar police limits.

Addressing a press briefing, Dhenkanal Superintendent of Police Abhinav Sonkar said the main accused has been identified as Gangadhar Patra of Santarapur village. The other three accused are Chandan Kumar Naik of Sana Indipur, Madan Mohan Patra of Santarapur, and Rasananda Naik of Kumusi village under Parjang police station.

The SP said all four accused were involved in the crime, either directly or by assisting in the murder. They have been arrested and forwarded to court.

Police have seized several key pieces of evidence, including a car allegedly used in the crime, three mobile phones, the blood-stained scarf of the deceased, and her college bag.

A case has been registered at Kamakshanagar police station (Case No. 191/26) under various sections of the Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita (BNS), along with relevant provisions of the POCSO Act.

The SP added further investigation is underway to establish the sequence of events and identify any additional persons involved in the case.