Kendrapara: A man burdened with debt in Odisha’s Kendrapara district attempted an unusual scheme to escape his financial troubles, but his plan went awry as police tracked him down within 24 hours.
Bikrant Mallick, a 47-year-old resident of Andara village under Pattamundai police limits, left his belongings on the Brahmani riverbank on Saturday, trying to make the onlookers believe that he had fallen victim to a crocodile attack. His motive was to evade debt repayment and secure a substantial compensation of Rs 6 lakh from the forest department.
However, Mallick’s plan was exposed when he was located in Cuttack on Sunday. A comprehensive investigation, aided by CCTV footage and mobile tracking, led to the discovery of his whereabouts. Initially, villagers discovered his abandoned shoes, clothes, and motorcycle near the riverbank on Saturday morning, leading them to believe he had succumbed to a crocodile attack.
“We tracked him in Cuttack and asked him to come to the police station. Accordingly, he returned, and interrogation is ongoing. We will take proper legal action after due inquiry,” said Ranjit Mohanty, the Inspector-in-Charge of Pattamundai police station.
During preliminary investigations, Mallick reportedly admitted to orchestrating his own death, strategically leaving behind his motorcycle and clothes near the riverbank to enable his family to claim a compensation of Rs 6 lakh from the forest department.
Suspecting the involvement of his wife and other family members in the scheme, the police are questioning them as well.
