A tragic case of fatal violence, stemming from a complex romantic entanglement, has shaken Bhubaneswar, leading to public outrage and a police manhunt. A 32-year-old man, brutally assaulted in late December, succumbed to his injuries this week, escalating the legal stakes and sparking protests by grieving family members.
From Assault to Murder: A Timeline of the Crime
The victim, identified as Jogendra Das, a daily wage labourer, was attacked on the evening of December 26 in the Nayapalli area. According to police reports, the assault was the violent culmination of a dispute over a 17-year-old girl. Despite being married, Das had allegedly tried to establish a relationship with the teenager. This brought him into conflict with another man who was also close to the girl.
The initial confrontation quickly spiralled out of control when several associates joined the fray. The group attacked Das with sharp-edged weapons, inflicting critical injuries. He was rushed to a hospital where he fought for his life for several days before passing away on Thursday.
Following the assault, a case was registered at the Nayapalli police station on December 27. After Das's death, the charges were upgraded to murder. Police have so far made one arrest: Suman Naik, aged 40, was taken into custody on December 30 for allegedly aiding one of the prime accused in escaping. Authorities also detained a 17-year-old boy connected to the crime, who was presented before the juvenile justice board.
Public Outcry and Police Pursuit
The death of Jogendra Das triggered immediate and angry reactions from his relatives. Frustrated by what they perceived as slow progress, family members and locals staged a road blockade, demanding swift action against all those responsible. In a fit of rage, the mob also vandalised the house of one of the accused, heightening tensions in the locality.
Expressing the family's anguish, the victim's uncle, Purna Das, voiced dissatisfaction with the investigation. "Police only arrested one man and detained a minor, while the main perpetrators remain at large," he stated, highlighting a sense of injustice.
Investigation Status and Future Steps
Police officials acknowledge that the case involves multiple individuals. Investigators believe at least 3 to 5 other men participated in the deadly assault, and all are currently absconding. A senior officer assured that the force has identified all suspects involved. "We have identified all those involved. Multiple teams have been formed to arrest them," the officer said, issuing a stern warning: "Anyone found sheltering the accused will also face legal consequences."
The case underscores the deadly consequences of personal disputes turning violent and the subsequent challenges faced by law enforcement in apprehending all suspects. The police are under pressure to deliver quick results and restore public confidence as the search for the absconding accused continues.
