Love, jealousy and betrayal: Odisha village shocked by brutal murder of youth

In a chilling tale, a youth has been apprehended in Bolangir district over the alleged murder of his childhood friend, amid allegations of betrayal in a love triangle. 

The incident occurred at Dumerchuan village, where the accused, Satya Nag, is said to have killed his friend Kunja Majhi with the assistance of another individual, Shankar Kharsel.

The crime unravelled when local police probed into Kunja's disappearance, uncovering that Satya was driven by jealousy over Kunja's interactions with a woman with whom he had a romantic connection. Ignoring Satya's warnings to cease communication, Kunja continued to engage with the woman, reportedly accelerating tensions within the group.

Satya and Shankar allegedly lured Kunja to a forest on the night of June 20, where they allegedly attacked him with an iron rod, resulting in his death. The duo then allegedly concealed the body in a sack and disposed of it in an abandoned well.

Concerned about Kunja’s absence, his family lodged a missing report at the police station. Subsequent investigation by the police, utilising phone records, led them to arrest the suspects after discovering Kunja's body on June 29.

Local residents are reportedly stunned at how a close friendship could degenerate into such brutality. Kunja's grieving mother is resolute in her demand for justice, calling for stringent punishment for those involved.

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Kantabanjhi police reportedly confirmed that notable evidence has been secured, including the murder weapon and Kunja's damaged mobile phone, warranting a robust judicial proceeding. The crime scene has also been recreated by taking the accused to the spot. Investigators have not ruled out questioning the woman, central to this tragic incident, to gain further insight.

"They called my son to the forest and killed him there. I want justice over the matter. The culprits should be hanged till death," said the deceased's mother, Chukti Majhi.

"Two friends killed Kunja Majhi over a love relationship with a girl. It is quite a tragic incident," said Jugal Kishore Shabar, a local resident.

"Prime accused Satya Nag and his associate Shankar Kharsel have been arrested today in connection with the murder. They will be forwarded to court. Their questioning is currently underway. The woman has also been brought under the purview of the investigation process, and we will question her. It's a love triangle murder case," said Bolangir Additional SP Alok Jena.

This harrowing episode has cast a shadow over Dumerchuan, sparking discussions on trust, betrayal, and the precarious nature of romantic complexities in close-knit communities.