‘Justice for Rohit’: Rayagada boils over youth’s brutal murder

Rayagada town erupted in outrage after the brutal murder of Rohit Thappa, a local youth allegedly killed over past enmity. The incident sparked massive protests, paralysing traffic and drawing widespread public condemnation. With police delays in arrest and autopsy, locals demand swift justice. Rohit's grieving mother has issued an emotional plea, threatening suicide if justice isn't served.

‘Justice for Rohit’: Rayagada boils over youth’s brutal murder

File photo of deceased local youth Rohit Thappa

time

A tense atmosphere gripped Rayagada town following the brutal murder of a young man, Rohit Thappa, allegedly killed due to a longstanding enmity. In response to the incident, hundreds of residents staged a massive protest on Thursday, gheraoing the Town Police Station and demanding the immediate arrest of the accused.

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The protest created widespread disruption, especially along the route connecting Rayagada to Andhra Pradesh. Vehicular movement came to a complete halt as protesters blocked the roads, causing long queues of stranded vehicles on both sides of the highway.

The incident occurred on Wednesday afternoon behind the Rayagada town fire station, at a local playground where Rohit was playing cricket. He was reportedly attacked in a planned manner by a group of individuals, allegedly due to previous hostilities.

Following a complaint lodged by the victim’s family, Rayagada Town Police detained six individuals for interrogation. However, growing public anger has been fueled by delays, with more than 18 hours passing without the post-mortem being conducted. Protesters have vowed not to allow the autopsy until all the accused are arrested.

“My son Rohit had gone to the ground yesterday afternoon to play cricket. Around 15 persons unitedly hacked him to death. I demand justice for my son. All those involved must be punished,” said the victim’s mother, Jaya Thappa.

“He was my only son. I have no support left after his death. If justice is denied, I will take an extreme step. I will consume poison and end my life,” the grieving mother added while speaking to the media.

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