Bhubaneswar: The Odisha Police have arrested two more persons, including a woman Sub-Inspector and a journalist, in connection with the alleged abduction of Balangir-based businessman Narendra Sahu, alias Gunda, who was rescued from the Khandagiri area of Bhubaneswar on Saturday.

With the latest arrests, the total number of people arrested in connection with the case has risen to four. Two persons were arrested by Sunday evening, while two more, including the woman police officer and the journalist, were arrested on Monday morning.

The woman SI has been identified as Sneha Manjari Sahu, who is reportedly the sister of another accused, Khitish Sahu. A journalist based in Bhubaneswar has also been arrested for his alleged links with the businessman and the other accused.

According to police sources, the investigation is examining the alleged role of the journalist, who was reportedly in contact with both Narendra Sahu and Khitish Sahu. Sources claimed that around 20–30 phone calls were exchanged between them. Investigators are examining the nature and purpose of the communication and whether it has any connection with the alleged abduction.

Police are also probing the alleged role of Sneha Manjari Sahu. Investigators suspect that she may have provided misleading information during the initial stage of the investigation, which allegedly delayed efforts to trace the businessman. The police are examining these allegations as part of the ongoing probe.

Abduction linked to ‘Hanuman coin’ dispute

Narendra Sahu was allegedly abducted late Friday night in Balangir and was rescued safely from Khandagiri in Bhubaneswar the following day.

Preliminary investigation indicates that the incident may be linked to a financial dispute involving a rare object locally referred to as a “Hanuman coin” or “Hanuman Paisa”. Reports suggest that a deal worth around Rs 2.5 crore was allegedly associated with the object.

The Balangir Police, with assistance from the Commissionerate Police in Bhubaneswar, traced the businessman and rescued him from the Khandagiri area. Khitish Sahu, reportedly a resident of the Kantamal area of Boudh district, was detained in connection with the case.

Following the rescue, both Narendra Sahu and the accused were brought to the Balangir Reserve Police Barracks for questioning.

On Sunday, they were interrogated face-to-face in the presence of Balangir Superintendent of Police Abilash G and Sadar Sub-Divisional Police Officer Saroj Kumar Upadhyay.

Police sources said the questioning has provided leads suggesting that the alleged abduction was connected to the “Hanuman coin” matter. Investigators are now probing the financial dealings, communications and alleged roles of the four arrested persons.

The police are expected to conduct further questioning and examine call records and other evidence to establish the circumstances surrounding the alleged abduction and the motive behind it. Further details are likely to emerge as the investigation progresses.