Team Goemkarponn
PANAJI: In a major breakthrough, Goa Police have apprehended the prime accused in a gruesome double murder case reported from Saligao in November 2025, following an extensive inter-state operation spanning several months.
The आरोपी, identified as Jagannath Bhagat, was tracked down and arrested in Odisha after remaining absconding since the crime. Police said he had fled Goa immediately after allegedly murdering two persons and managed to evade capture despite multiple search operations across states.
The case dates back to November 6, 2025, when a complaint was filed by a Saligao resident reporting that two individuals — Richard D’mello and Abhishek Gupta — were found murdered inside a rented house. The victims had sustained fatal injuries inflicted by a sharp-edged weapon, with their bodies discovered lying in a pool of blood.
Based on the complaint, Saligao Police registered a case under Section 103(1) of the Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita (BNS), 2023, and launched a detailed investigation.
Multi-State Hunt
Given the seriousness of the crime, Goa Police initiated an intensive search operation, deploying teams across Goa and other states including Chhattisgarh, Odisha, Delhi, and Mumbai. Despite sustained efforts, the accused initially remained untraceable.
Subsequently, a coordinated approach involving the Crime Branch, local police stations, cyber units, and technical surveillance teams helped generate crucial leads. Authorities tracked the accused’s movements through financial and digital footprints, eventually zeroing in on his location in Cuttack, Odisha.
A special team, with assistance from Odisha Police, conducted targeted raids and successfully apprehended the accused.
Motive Linked To Dispute
Preliminary interrogation revealed that the accused, originally linked to Odisha and Chhattisgarh, had been brought to Goa in October 2025 by the deceased after responding to an online advertisement for technical work.
He was provided accommodation at the same premises where the victims resided. Police said tensions had reportedly escalated due to disputes over unpaid wages, food expenses, and dissatisfaction with living conditions.
Investigators believe the murders were carried out following these disputes, with the accused allegedly acting out of grievance and intent to settle scores.
Accused Brought Back To Goa
Following his arrest, the accused was taken into custody and brought back to Goa, where he will face legal proceedings.
Senior officials said the operation underscores the commitment of Goa Police in pursuing offenders across state lines and ensuring justice, even in complex and prolonged cases.
