Puri: The Puri police have achieved a major breakthrough in the murder of a minor boy in the Chilika Lake area of Krushnaprasad on August 11, arresting 18 people, including the alleged prime accused, Ganesh Das.

All the arrested persons are reportedly residents of Chandraput village under Balugaon police station limits in Khordha district.

Police have seized three boats allegedly used for illegal fishing and prawn theft, along with a wooden plank allegedly used in the attack.

According to police, the incident occurred on August 11 when the accused persons were allegedly stealing fish and prawns from the Chilika Lake area under Krushnaprasad. They reportedly faced opposition from local residents, following which an argument escalated into a physical altercation between the two groups.

Two persons sustained serious injuries in the clash, while a minor boy died in the attack.

Following the incident, Krushnaprasad police registered a case and launched an investigation. Police conducted raids at several locations and arrested all 18 accused within 48 hours of the incident.

Addressing a press conference, Puri Superintendent of Police Prateek Singh said all 18 persons allegedly involved in the incident had been arrested. He said three boats used for prawn theft and the wooden plank allegedly used in the murder had been seized.

The SP said the arrested accused would be taken on remand and questioned further to ascertain the exact motive behind the incident and identify any other persons who may have been involved.

Police are also maintaining a strict vigil against illegal fishing and prawn theft in Chilika. The SP said action would be taken against anyone else found to be involved in such activities.

Following the incident, security measures in the Chilika region have been strengthened, with increased police patrolling to prevent further incidents.