Villagers Allegedly Beat Suspected Thief to Death in Ganjam District
In a shocking incident of mob violence, a 37-year-old man from Kandhamal district was allegedly beaten to death by villagers at Sardula in Ganjam district late Friday night. The victim, identified as Banadhar Pradhan, a resident of Kurumingia, succumbed to his injuries after being tied to an electric pole and assaulted.
Police Arrest 20 Suspects, Launch Investigation
Police on Saturday arrested 20 people for their alleged involvement in the murder. According to authorities, the incident began when three persons, including Banadhar Pradhan, allegedly robbed the locked house of villager Sushant Gouda on Friday night. A neighbor spotted the suspects and raised an alarm, leading villagers to catch one of them while others escaped.
The villagers then allegedly tied Banadhar to an electric pole and assaulted him, resulting in his death. He was rushed to the sub-divisional hospital in Bhanjanagar early Saturday, where doctors declared him dead upon arrival.
Police Response and Investigation Details
Deepak Mishra, sub-divisional police officer of Bhanjanagar, stated, "Investigation is going on to ascertain the motive behind the killing. Search is on to nab other persons who took law into their hands." Police have seized the mobile phone of the deceased and the ropes used to tie his hands from the accused.
Jeebanananda Jena, inspector in-charge of Bhanjanagar police station, reported that most villagers, especially youths, fled fearing police action. Police forces have been deployed in Sardula village, and a forensic team has been engaged to assist in the investigation. Raids have been launched in Sardula and neighboring areas to apprehend other accused individuals and those involved in the theft.
Details of the Theft Incident
According to Sushant Gouda, the thieves looted some gold ornaments and at least 20 new saris from his home after breaking the lock. The family had gone out to attend a function at the time of the incident. Police are continuing their investigation to determine the full circumstances surrounding both the theft and the subsequent mob violence.
