Berhampur, Feb. 6: Six persons accused of murdering Shanti Mishra, a supporter of the city mayor, were arrested here today. Mishra was killed in a bomb attack in Gosaninuagon area here on January 29.

“Twelve people were directly involved and four others indirectly in the murder conspiracy. We arrested Rakesh Panda and Babaji Rana of Bada Sahi, Ganesh Panigrahi of Adua Sahi and Seikh Jafir of Nehru Nagar, who were apparently directly involved in the attack,” said Berhampur SP Prateek Mohanty.

Two other accused, Mrutunjaya Sabat of Panigrahi Sahi and Ranjit Panigrahi of Balajipentha Sah, who were involved indirectly in the murder conspiracy were also arrested. The conspiracy to kill Mishra was hatched in Berhampur Circle Jail last December.

“The accused said they were not able to pay house rent and were forced by Mishra to sell their land and houses at cheaper rates,” said the SP.

“We have seized four air bags, two bikes, Rs 6,000 in cash and many mobile phones from the accused,” he said. No firearms were recovered.

Shankar Padhi alias Ami of Gosaninuagaon is the main accused in the murder case. He along with Ichili Panigrahi and Rakesh Panda alias Doctor Manga hatched the conspiracy inside the Berhampur Circle Jail.

The conspiracy was executed after Rakesh Panda was released on bail on December 25. Detailed plans were discussed on the court premises when Shankar Padhi was produced in court on January 16 and 24.

The accused purchased four air bags to carry bombs and sports shoes to flee from the spot. Mrutunjaya Sabat of Panigrahi Sahi arranged Rs 10,000 for the purpose.