Bhubaneswar, June 29: Traffic on the National Highway No. 5 was disrupted for almost two hours today after Patrapada residents blocked it demanding immediate arrest of Rajendra Barik, the prime suspect in the murder case of 35-year-old contractor Dillip Naik.
On June 18, Naik was allegedly shot dead by his rival group, which is led by Barik, near a construction site behind the AIIMS Hospital at Patrapada.
Tension gripped Khandagiri police station, which is nearly 6km from Patrapada village, today after local residents gheraoed it.
The protesters alleged police inaction and said that Barik had managed to evade arrest because of his political clout. "More than 10 days have passed since the murder, but the police have so far arrested only two persons. The mastermind, Barik, is yet to be nabbed," said Dillip's brother Sanjay Naik.
Hundreds of vehicles, including passenger buses, remained stranded along a 25-metre stretch on the highway in front of Khandagiri police station.
Commuters also had to bear the brunt of the roadblock. "I was going to attend my coaching class but had to stop because of the protest. I tried my best to negotiate my way through the crowd, but it was impossible," said Subhas Murmu, a student.
The blockade was lifted after senior police officials, including deputy commissioner of police Satyabrata Bhoi, reached the spot and assured the people of immediate action.
"We have been conducting raids at several places to nab Barik. Several police teams have been constituted for the purpose," said Bhoi.
The police had last week arrested Sarat Kumar Samantray, 50, and Surya Kanta Samantray, 20, in connection with the murder. A police officer said both the accused had been present at the murder spot and they were the associates of Barik. The cops are also planning to issue a non-bailable warrant against Barik and declare him an absconder.
A group of around 20 persons had attacked Naik on the fateful day when he had gone to the construction site for reconciliation with Barik. Sources said the owner of the land had initially awarded the project to Barik, who later stopped the work due to issues related to bill payment. Therefore, the project was awarded to one Sambhu under whom Naik was working.
