‘Hanuman paisa’ dispute leads to kidnapping of Odisha businessman; journalist, woman cop held
Hanuman Paisa Dispute Leads to Odisha Kidnapping
Bharatmorningnews.com – A Hanuman paisa dispute leads to kidnapping in western Odisha when a 62-year-old Balangir businessman was allegedly abducted, assaulted, and confined in a Bhubaneswar hotel over a supposed rare antique coin worth crores of rupees. Police said a journalist and a woman sub-inspector were among those accused of orchestrating the scheme to coerce the victim into paying money.
Narendra Sahu, also called Gunda Sahu, was reportedly lured to Randa Chowk in Balangir on August 14 by Kshitish Chandra Sahu and associates, then driven to Bhubaneswar where he was tied up, beaten, and locked inside a hotel. A police team freed him the next day. During his captivity, Sahu was allegedly threatened with a pistol and compelled to call his family repeatedly, assuring them he was safe so they would not file a missing-person report.
Staged Videos and the Fabricated Complaint
Police recovered 12 videos from Kshitish's phone showing Sahu holding an unloaded pistol and posing as though he had attacked Kshitish. In other clips, Sahu was allegedly made to apologise and pledge repayment of a debt he was purportedly accused of owing. Balangir Superintendent of Police Abhilash G described the footage as manufactured evidence designed to pressure the victim into paying money.
"The videos were staged to create false evidence and to pressure the victim into paying money," Abhilash said.
The alleged conspiracy extended to Khandagiri police station in Bhubaneswar. CCTV footage reportedly showed journalist Sanjay Jena waiting near the station before receiving Sahu and escorting him inside. Jena allegedly identified himself as a police officer and filed a complaint accusing Sahu of attacking him with a firearm. Sub-Inspector Snehamanjari Sahu, Kshitish's sister, who was posted at that station, was arrested for allegedly threatening Sahu with criminal cases if he failed to meet the extortion demand.
Investigation Details and Charges
Kshitish told police he had paid Sahu ₹2.7 crore in 2020 for a rare "Hanuman coin" that was never delivered and for which no refund was received. Police said they had found no documentary or financial record to corroborate that transaction. Officials initially cited an alleged demand of ₹50 lakh, while the case record also references a figure of ₹10 crore; investigators are examining the discrepancy.
After the abduction, some accused drove a Maruti vehicle toward Redhakhol and Angul while Kshitish travelled separately in an SUV toward Bhubaneswar via Daspalla Road. Sahu's mobile phone was switched off immediately after the abduction. Forensic examination of phones showed frequent communication among Kshitish, Snehamanjari, and Jena beginning August 13, the day before the kidnapping.
Police registered a case under the Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita and the Arms Act covering kidnapping, confinement, assault, ransom, criminal conspiracy, and alleged illegal use of firearms. The other accused named in the case are Sanjit Behera of Balangir and journalist Sanjay Jena.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is a "Hanuman paisa" and why does it attract fraudsters?
A Hanuman paisa is a copper or brass coin bearing an image of the Hindu deity Hanuman. In parts of western Odisha, collectors and believers attribute extraordinary wealth-generating or supernatural properties to rare specimens, making them a recurring target for racketeers who claim such coins can fetch crores of rupees.
Where and when did the kidnapping occur?
Narendra Sahu was allegedly abducted at Randa Chowk, Balangir, on August 14 and taken to Bhubaneswar, where he was confined in a hotel. Police rescued him the following day.
What legal provisions were invoked?
The case was registered under provisions of the Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita and the Arms Act, covering kidnapping, confinement, assault, ransom, criminal conspiracy, and alleged illegal use of firearms.