Assistant BDO ‘kills wife with axe’ over family feud in Odisha, absconds

A disturbing incident came to light on Thursday from Danra village under Nandipada police limits in Keonjhar district, where a government official identified as Assistant Block Development Officer (ABDO) Debi Prasad Jena allegedly murdered his wife with an axe following a family dispute.

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The fatal incident occurred in the afternoon when the couple was present in their house.

According to police sources, a heated argument broke out earlier in the day between the couple, which escalated to violence. Things turned ugly when, in a fit of rage, Jena allegedly attacked his wife with an axe, causing her grievous injuries.

The woman was later rescued by some others from a pool of blood and was rushed to Bhadrak district headquarters hospital (DHH) in critical condition for treatment. However, doctors at the health facility declared her ‘dead’ on arrival.

Neighbours of ABDO Jena rescued the woman in critical condition and initially took her to Salanian hospital. She was then taken to Bhadrak hospital, but to no avail.

The incident has sent shockwaves through the local community, especially given the accused Jena’s government position. He is currently serving as the ABDO of Banta block in Bhadrak district. Following the incident, Jena fled the scene, and a manhunt has been launched by police to trace his whereabouts.

Preliminary investigations suggest a domestic dispute as the likely motive behind the crime. The police have registered a case of murder, and further investigation is underway.

However, no comments were received from the Nandipada police in this regard.

Reported By: Muna