Extra-marital link in Bargarh family attack: Police

Bargarh: An extra-marital affair was the motive behind the brutal attack on a family in which a woman was killed on December 5, Bargarh police claimed on Sunday. Moreover, five persons have been arrested in connection with the incident and further investigation is on.

It is pertinent to mention here that unidentified miscreants had barged into the house of one Khiroda Meher of Bairakhapali village in the town and attacked his family members while they were sleeping on December 5.

While Khirod’s wife Jayashree Meher died on the spot, his two sons had sustained injuries during the attack.

Carrying out probe into the incident, police today arrested Khirod's daughter-in-law (married to his eldest son), her lover Mitrabhanu Guru, her father Kedar Meher and two others including her sister who is a minor for hatching a conspiracy to kill Khirod’s family.

According to sources, Khirod’s daughter-in-law was into relationship with Mitrabhanu before marrying his eldest son Balaram. After knowing the illicit relationship, Khirod and his family opposed it.

Later, Mitrabhanu along with his three associates barged into the residence of Khirod on December 5 and attacked his family with sharp weapons.

"So far we have arrested Mitrabhanu Guru, Paritosh Panka, Kedar Meher and two of his daughters for being involved in the gruesome murder. We have seized blood stained clothes, a motorcylce and four mobile phones from their possession. All the accused will be produced before the court tomorrow,” said Padampur SDPO Laxminarayan Panda.

Panda further informed that efforts are on to nab two other associates of Mitrabhanu who are still absconding.