Rayagada: In a major breakthrough in the sensational Hadapa Nikhil murder case, Rayagada police have arrested the prime accused, Umesh Hial, along with eight of his associates.

According to Rayagada SP Swathy S Kumar, the murder was linked to a robbery at an illegal gambling den. The accused allegedly gunned down Nikhil on the night of May 9 following a dispute over the loot.

Police have seized a pistol and two four-wheelers believed to have been used in the crime. Efforts are underway to trace and apprehend other absconding associates involved in the case.

The incident had triggered widespread concern in the region. On May 9, Nikhil, a resident of Reli Sahi in Rayagada town, was found dead near the Nagavali River at Tumbiguda.

Locals said, a group of unidentified miscreants allegedly opened fire at Nikhil and abducted him before fleeing towards the Ring Road area. In a bid to escape, Nikhil reportedly ran into a nearby house for safety. However, the attackers allegedly dragged him out and forcibly took him away. His body was later recovered near the Nagavali River.

Police said the nine arrests were made through coordinated operations conducted both within the state and outside Odisha. Further investigation into the case is ongoing.