Bhubaneswar, Odisha – In a significant development in the murder case of Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) leader Manguli Jena, the Khurda district police have arrested two individuals, including the alleged shooter. The arrests mark a major breakthrough in the investigation that has gripped Odisha’s political circles and sparked protests over law and order.
Major Breakthrough: Police Apprehend Shooter and Accomplice
The Khurda Superintendent of Police (SP) confirmed the arrests during a press briefing, detailing the swift action taken by law enforcement. While the identities of both accused are being withheld pending further investigation, police sources have confirmed that one is the primary assailant who allegedly fired the fatal shots. The second individual is believed to be a key conspirator in the planned assassination.
The police action comes just days after Manguli Jena, the BJP’s Mandal President for Khurda, was brutally gunned down on the evening of April 14th. Jena was attacked by motorcycle-borne assailants near his home in Nabina village. The public nature of the shooting led to immediate outcry from the state BJP, which alleged political foul play and demanded a comprehensive probe.
Political Rivalry Eyed as Primary Motive
According to preliminary investigations, the motive behind the high-profile murder appears to be rooted in political rivalry. A senior police official, speaking on the condition of anonymity, stated, “We are probing all angles, including personal enmity and business disputes, but the primary line of investigation points towards political vendetta.”
Sources suggest that Jena’s growing political influence in the region may have made him a target. The Odisha Police are now interrogating the two accused to uncover the full conspiracy and identify any masterminds behind the killing of the Odisha BJP leader.
BJP Welcomes Arrests, Demands Full Justice
The BJP has cautiously welcomed the development but reiterated its demand for complete justice. State BJP spokesperson Golak Mohapatra remarked, “This is a positive development, and we commend the Odisha Police. However, these arrests are just the beginning. The real masterminds…must be unmasked and brought to book.”
The murder had placed the ruling Biju Janata Dal (BJD) government under intense pressure. With the shooter among two arrested, the state government is likely to highlight the efficiency of its police force in handling the high-profile case.
Investigation Continues Amid High Political Tensions
As the investigation moves forward, the political climate in Odisha remains tense. The interrogation of the captured shooter and his accomplice is expected to yield crucial information about a potentially wider network of conspirators. For the family of Manguli Jena and the BJP cadre, these arrests offer a glimmer of hope, but the call for justice for the slain leader continues to echo across the state.
