Saryu Roy Accuses Banna Gupta of Shielding Criminals in Sidgora Land Case
Key Points:
- Postmortem finds 12 bullet wounds on hotelier Nikhar Sablok’s body
- Police suspect Sidgora land dispute behind planned murder at Chandil restaurant
- MLA Saryu Roy accuses former minister Banna Gupta of shielding accused in land case
JAMSHEDPUR – Several important facts have emerged during the investigation into the high-profile murder of hotel businessman Nikhar Sablok (33). According to police sources, the killing was allegedly planned over a land dispute in the Agrico area of Sidgora. However, Seraikela-Kharsawan police have not yet officially shared any information in the matter and have said the investigation is ongoing.
Notably, unidentified criminals had opened indiscriminate fire on Nikhar Sablok at the 10th Mile Stone restaurant in the Chandil police station area on Monday afternoon, killing him instantly. The incident had sent shockwaves across the entire Kolhan region.
Following the postmortem, Sablok’s body was brought to his Vijaya Heritage residence in Kadma around 2.30 pm on Tuesday afternoon. As soon as the body reached home, family members broke down in grief. Several prominent businessmen and social figures from the city arrived at the residence to console the family. The final procession was later taken out around 3.15 pm, and the last rites were performed at Parvati Ghat in Bistupur. Family members declined to speak to the media during this time.
Several political figures also visited Sablok’s residence, including MLA Saryu Roy, MLA Mangal Kalindi and former minister Banna Gupta. During his visit, MLA Saryu Roy launched a sharp attack on Banna Gupta, accusing him of shielding criminals. He said Gupta had been pursuing a land encroachment case in the Sidgora area, and that the incident warranted an impartial investigation. He also demanded the swift arrest of the killers.
Meanwhile, the postmortem report has revealed a shocking detail. According to the report, Sablok’s body had a total of 12 bullet wounds. Two bullets were found in each temple, one each in the neck and abdomen, two in the back, and two on each shoulder. Preliminary investigation suggests the assailants fired from extremely close range, nearly emptying the magazines of two pistols. Police are now working to trace the conspiracy behind the murder and identify the accused.
