7 detained over murder of a youth in Kalahandi

Bhawanipatna: Police detained seven persons in connection with the murder of a youth, whose body was recovered from Nehela forest in Kalahandi district on Saturday.

The body of Debendra Behera, a resident of Purunapada area was found inside Karlapat sanctuary. As per reports, Debendra had gone to Nehela forest inside Karlapat sanctuary along with seven others to collect woods on May 22.

Later, an argument broke out between Debendra and another youth of the group, Bharat Biswal, over some petty issue. Subsequently, Bharat attacked Debendra with a stick injuring him severely. When Debendra fell unconscious, others left him in the forest.

After spotting the body in the forest, some locals informed police about the matter following which a probe was launched.

“On May 22, four persons of Purunapada village and four persons of Gainchapadar went to the forest to collect woods. An argument broke out among them over some issue on May 24 night near Nehela. In a fit of rage, Bharat attacked Debendra with a stick and injured him. Instead of taking Debendra to hospital, the group left him behind in the forest following which he died,” said Pradeep Kumar Dharua, IIC, Bhawanipatna Sadar police station.

Later, the body was sent for post mortem at the Bhawanipatna hospital. Seven persons have been detained for questioning while further probe is underway, Dharua added.

In another incident, body of a man was recovered from roadside in Satagadia Sasan area under Soro police limits of Balasore on Sunday.

After receiving information, police reached the spot and recued another critically injured person and admitted him to Soro hospital.

Police have initiated probe into the incident. However, the identity of the deceased is yet to be ascertained.