Extramarital affair turns deadly: Couple held for strangling friend in Balasore hotel

Balasore: Police on Monday arrested two persons, including a woman, in connection with the alleged murder of a 27-year-old man whose body was recovered from a hotel room here on Dec 27. Akash Mohanta of Mayurbhanj district’s Badjambani village was allegedly killed by his friend and a woman accomplice following a heated altercation.The accused have been identified as Ramachandra Singh, 22, and Mina alias Jemamani Singh, 27, both from Badjambani. The accused were reportedly in an extramarital relationship.Balasore city DSP Nirmala Gochayat said Akash and Ramachandra had travelled from their village on Dec 25 to inquire at Betnoti police station about a home guard recruitment admit card. After learning that Ramachandra’s application had been rejected, the duo decided to travel to Balasore. On the way, they picked up Jemamani. Ramachandra also took care of her two children.The trio checked into a hotel near Balia under Sahadevkhunta police station limits and stayed in room 502, using multiple Aadhaar cards at the time of booking. Police said they consumed alcohol in the room.At night, Akash allegedly attempted to establish a physical relationship with Jemamani, which was opposed by Ramachandra. “The situation escalated into a violent confrontation with Ramachandra pinning Akash to the ground and strangling him, while Jemamani held his legs, leading to his death,” said Gochayat.After committing the crime, the accused left the hotel, following which the body was found, prompting a police probe.Forensic teams have collected evidence from the hotel room, including physical clues and clothes. Based on investigation and technical evidence, police arrested Ramachandra from Betnoti and Jemamani from Jajpur. During interrogation, both accused confessed to murdering Akash.“The accused have been produced before a court,” the DSP said. “Further investigation is underway to ascertain all circumstances related to the crime,” she added.