Chhatrapur councillor hacked to death

Chhatrapur: The Councillor of ward number six of Chhatrapur in Ganjam district was hacked to death by unidentified miscreants today.

According to sources, a group of miscreants entered councillor Laxmidutta Pradhan alias Bachana's house near LIC Colony in Chhatrapur and attacked him with swords and other sharp weapons. Laxmidutta's brother was also critically injured in the attack.

"Nearly 10 to 12 persons attacked my brother and me near the gate of our house. I requested them to spare my brother but they hacked him. I don't know the reason behind the incident," said Laxmidutta's brother.

Following the incident, Laxmidutta was rushed to MKCG medical in Berhampur where he succumbed to his injuries, added sources.

Talking to media persons, Chhatrapur Block Chairman said, "He was a very good friend of mine. He was a distinguished member of BJD who was responsible for the party's success in Chhatrapur. None can take his place in the party."

Food Supplies and Consumer Welfare Minister Surya Narayan Patro said, "I talked to the local MLA Priyanshu Pradhan about the incident. According to Pradhan, BJP members, who were earlier with CPI, have killed Laxmidutta. Police is conducting a probe and everything will be clear soon."

It is suspected that Laxmidutta was murdered over past enmity. However, many believe the incident could also be the fallout of ongoing political rivalry as Laxmidutta was one of the prime accused in the murder of a youth leader of the CPI Sakura Behera in Chhatrapur.

Sakura was hacked to death by six assailants in Chhatrapur on the evening of July 23, 2014. Though the police had ruled out any political rivalry behind the murder, CPI leaders had demanded a CBI enquiry claiming the involvement of BJD members in the murder.

The CPI and CPI(M) had alleged that fight between Laxmidutta and Sakura during election of vice-chairman of Chhatrapur urban body was the reason behind the murder.

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