A former ward member was allegedly beaten to death by four miscreants with iron rods at Manoharpur village under Bauripada Gram Panchayat in Keonjhar district on Monday night.
The deceased was identified as Bhagyadhar Ghana. As per sources, Ghana was invited by the miscreants to a nearby pond on the pretext of a feast.
Ghana reached the spot along with his friend. When the duo was busy having food, two of the miscreants brought out the weapons from their vehicles and attacked them.
Luckily, Ghana's friend managed to escape and informed the locals who contacted the police.
The miscreants fled the spot after the committing the crime.
Past business rivalry is suspected to be the reason behind the murder.
Meanwhile, police have detained two of the miscreants and a manhunt is on to nab other absconding accused.