Odisha youth ‘murdered by best friend’ after being lured to watch ‘opera’

A shocking incident has rattled the Keonjhar district after a young man was allegedly murdered under suspicious circumstances. The deceased has been identified as Jayant Patra, a resident of Baniapanka village.

Patra had been living in Gambharia village of Keonjhar Town Police limits at his wife’s place for the past eight years. According to family members, Jayant was lured by his best friend to watch an opera on Tuesday night. The plan, they allege, was premeditated.

Harekrushna Behera, a friend of the deceased, reportedly took Jayant from his home under the pretext of attending the opera.

On Wednesday morning, Jayant’s wife, Saubhagini, tried contacting him, but was informed by Harekrushna that Jayant had tried to mislead her until she learned about his death.

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The family has alleged that Jayant’s body bore marks of injury in several places, pointing towards a violent assault. His father has formally accused the friend of orchestrating the murder.

Following the complaint lodged by Jayant’s wife and father at the Keonjhar Town Police Station, authorities have taken the body into custody and sent it for a post-mortem examination.

Police are conducting a detailed investigation to establish the motive and circumstances behind the crime. Officials have assured strict action against the perpetrators once the investigation is complete.