Two more Dara aides arrested

KEONJHAR, SEPT 29: Keonjhar police has arrested two close associates of Dara Singh, the key accused in the Staines' killing in Manoharpur...

KEONJHAR, SEPT 29: Keonjhar police has arrested two close associates of Dara Singh, the key accused in the Staines8217; killing in Manoharpur and murder of a Muslim trader in Padiabeda.

The arrested are Abhimanyu Mahanta and Mohan Sundar Mahanta. Abhimanyu was nabbed from Rohiniduma village under Patna police station late on Tuesday night while Mohan was arrested on Wednesday from Keonjhar bus stand.

Police said a special squad headed by district Superintendent of Police, Keonjhar, Arun Kumar Ray raided Rohiniduma village on Tuesday night and arrested Abhimanyu from his house.

Abhimanyu has confessed that he was introduced to Dara in December, 1998 by his cousin and one Chaturbhuja Mahanta, an associate of Dara. Chaturbhuja has already been arrested.

Abhimanyu also confessed that Dara and two of his associates Andha Naik and Dipu Das stayed at a place called Sunakhamba for eight days following the murder of the Australian missionary and his two sons. During their stay, Abhimanyu provided Dara and his associates food, newspapers and radio, sources said.

Despite his denial, police suspect Abhimanyu8217;s involvement in the murder of Muslim trader Sheikh Rehman at Padiabeda in Thakurmunda of Mayurbhanj on August 26. He used to come to his uncle-in-law8217;s house at a place 20 km away from Rohiniduma and was present in the village on August 28 when the Chief Minister visited Padiabeda, sources added.

Earlier, Abhimanyu was picked up by the CBI, detained for four days and then released.

Story continues below this ad

Mohan, a native of Badajamuposi village under Patna police station, was nabbed from the Keonjhar bus stand on Wednesday by circle Inspector of Police, Sadar, Sushil Kumar Mohanty. Mayurbhanj police had issued a warrant against Mohan.

He was allegedly involved in an attack on cow traders and arrested earlier. Mohan has confessed that he came in contact with Dara during his tirade against cattle traders.