Paradip, Nov. 10: Police today froze bank accounts of industrialist Mahimananda Mishra-owned Odisha Stevedores Limited (OSL) in the port town, a fortnight after the murder of Seaways Shipping and Logistics Limited's general manager.

At least six accounts of the OSL in nationalised banks have been made inoperative. The accounts contained cash deposits of several crores of rupees. The police action came in the wake of issuance of lookout notices against Mishra and three of his business colleagues for their suspected involvement in the murder of Mahendra Swain, general manager of the shipping firm, on October 26.

The murder of Swain, who used to work at the Hyderabad-based stevedoring company, had brought disrepute to Paradip with stakeholders in shipping sectors describing the Odisha's lone major port being unfriendly and unsafe for trade and commerce.

Acting on a tip-off, raids were conducted today in several places in Paradip, Cuttack, Puri and Nischintakoili to nab the four accused, including Mishra. However, they could not be traced. under sections 302 (murder), 120-b (criminal conspiracy), sections 20, 25 and 27 of Arms Act and sections 3 and 8 of the Indian Explosive Substances Act<> on charges of their involvement in the murder. They have been on the run since the murder," said Paradip additional superintendent of police Gadadhar Pradhani.

Raids were also conducted on the OSL offices in Paradip. Relevant documents pertaining to the case have been seized. "We are also contemplating freezing of other assets owned by Mishra, the OSL managing director, along with those of other accused persons," said Pradhani.