Operation Garuda: Murder Fugitive Caught After 24 Years on Run
Odisha Police nab 52-year-old hiding in Chennai.
In a dramatic breakthrough, Odisha Police have arrested Udaya Pradhan, a 52-year-old murder accused who evaded capture for 24 years. The arrest, executed on Monday in Chennai under 'Operation Garuda'—a statewide initiative to apprehend fugitives—marks the end of a decades-long manhunt for Pradhan, wanted in connection with a brutal 2001 murder in Ganjam district.
On July 6, 2001, Udaya Pradhan, along with his brothers Musha and Pancham, allegedly hacked Kaibalya Pradhan to death in Keranditola village, within the Chamakhandi police station limits, over a personal dispute. While Musha was arrested on the day of the crime and later served a life sentence, Udaya and Pancham fled the village. Despite multiple police efforts over the years, Udaya remained elusive, frequently changing locations to avoid capture.
Acting on a tip-off, a dedicated team from Ganjam district tracked Udaya to Chennai, where he was living under the alias 'Ganesh' and working at a construction firm. "We had been pursuing him for years, but reliable intelligence finally led us to Chennai," said Ganjam Superintendent of Police Subhendu Patra. The operation required meticulous planning, as Udaya had blended into the city’s workforce, concealing his identity to evade authorities.
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Inspector Sabyasachi Malla of Chamakhandi police station revealed that after the murder, Udaya and Pancham initially fled to Bengaluru. A falling-out between the brothers prompted Udaya to relocate to Chennai, while his family remained in Keranditola. Pancham, the elder brother, remains at large, with police intensifying efforts to apprehend him. "We are closing in on all fugitives under Operation Garuda," Malla added.
Musha, the younger brother, completed his life sentence and has been released, according to police records. The arrest of Udaya Pradhan brings renewed hope to the victim’s family and underscores Odisha Police’s commitment to pursuing justice, no matter how much time has passed.
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