Fugitive Arrested After Six-Year Manhunt Linked to Murder Case

Santanu Patra, wanted for an alleged 2019 rape in Odisha, was arrested following a murder in Karnataka. The arrest was carried out by Berhampur police in coordination with the Railway Protection Force, after Patra was tracked down to Wadi station.

Patra, who had adopted the alias Sunil Swain, lived in hiding for six years before being apprehended. His involvement in the murder of Gayatri Swain, with whom he had an online relationship, led to his capture.

Using CCTV footage, police linked Patra to the murder that took place on August 10, where he allegedly attacked Swain and her daughter following a confrontation. Patra's motives were reportedly driven by feelings of humiliation following a fallout with Swain.

(With inputs from agencies.)