Patnagarh: Patnagarh Police in Odisha’s Balangir district have cracked a sensational case involving blackmail, kidnapping, and the murder of a minor girl, arresting the prime accused and forwarding him to court.

Accused lured victim into relationship, used videos for blackmail

The accused, identified as Balaram Sahoo of Jamunabahal (also spelled Jambahal) village under Patnagarh police limits, allegedly lured the minor girl into a relationship and later blackmailed her repeatedly using intimate videos. 

According to police, the case was taken up with utmost seriousness following the recovery of the girl’s body.

The incident came to light on April 27 when the body of the minor was found hanging in the Dumerbahal forest area, triggering widespread outrage across the district. The victim, a resident of Padhel village, had reportedly gone missing the previous evening. Family members claimed that she had informed them over the phone that some youths had abducted her after blackmailing her.

Despite frantic searches by the family, her whereabouts remained unknown until locals from Dumerpadar village spotted the body in the forest and alerted the family and police.

A detailed investigation was launched involving the Patnagarh police, a scientific team from Balangir, and a dog squad. Preliminary findings and the surrounding circumstances indicated that the crime was premeditated.

During the probe, police detained three individuals for questioning. Analysis of mobile call detail records (CDR) revealed that the accused had a pattern of trapping girls in relationships and blackmailing them.

Based on the evidence, police arrested Balram Sahoo under charges of murder, kidnapping, blackmail, and provisions of the POCSO Act. He has been produced in court.

Meanwhile, the victim’s family has raised concerns over the investigation, suspecting the involvement of more individuals in the crime. They have demanded a thorough probe and strict action against all those responsible.