A 65-year-old woman and her 35-year-old daughter were brutally hacked to death allegedly by their neighbour in the early hours of Monday at Giripali under Sasan police station in Sambalpur district. The incident has sent shockwaves through the local community.
Details of the Incident
According to police, the accused, identified as Ajay Pradhan, attacked Urmila Patra (65) and her daughter Lilima Joda (35) with a sharp-edged weapon while they were sleeping outside their house. The attack occurred around 1 am, and the accused himself informed the police about the crime over the phone.
Sambalpur Additional Superintendent of Police Shrimanta Barik confirmed that police immediately reached the spot, detained the accused, and subsequently arrested him. He was produced before a court on Monday.
Preliminary Investigation
Preliminary investigation suggests that the double murder was the result of previous enmity between the two families. Police have formed a scientific team to examine the crime scene and are conducting a detailed investigation.
Family members revealed that Urmila and her daughter were alone at home as her two sons and their wives had gone to attend a wedding on Sunday night. Police informed the victims' family members about the tragedy around 3 am.
Accused's Wife's Statement
Meanwhile, the accused's wife, Yashoda Pradhan, claimed that relations between the two families had always been cordial. However, police are probing all angles to determine the exact motive behind the heinous crime.
The incident has raised concerns about safety in the area, with locals demanding stricter police patrolling and community vigilance.
