Cuttack, Nov. 30: Malgodown police today arrested two more persons in connection with the brutal murder of Mohammed Farook Tayab, a wholesale grocer.

The accused have been identified as Mohammed Sakil and Asit Das, both 23 years of age. A special squad investigating the murder arrested them. One pistol and four rounds of ammunition have been recovered from their possession.

Senior police officials have confirmed that both the accused have more than 12 cases pending against them in various police stations all across the state.

Contract killers were hired to eliminate Farook, who was shot dead at his shop in Malgodown on November 12.

Earlier, Malgodown police had arrested one person in connection with the murder case on November 25. old Sheikh Sona, 27, one of the co-accused in the murder case was nabbed in connection with the murder case.

Sheikh Sona is said to have links with various criminal gangs and more than 11 cases are registered against him in different police stations. One pistol and two rounds of live ammunition were also recovered from his possession.

Preliminary investigations revealed that four to five persons were involved in the murder of the trader. Police had formed special teams to nab others who were involved in the killing.

It has been alleged that around three men fired at Farook, who died on the way to the SCB Medical College and Hospital. The trader had suffered three bullet injuries on his head and chest, which proved to be fatal. The killing has angered traders and they had observed a strike for two days, demanding security measures by the police.

Following a meeting, authorities have deployed armed police personnel and have intensified patrolling at Malgodown. All shop owners have been asked to install close circuit television cameras (CCTVs) at their shops and all vital locations of the sprawling market.