News from Berhampur

A tragic incident occurred during Raksha Bandhan as a minor boy, Asutosh Panigrahi, allegedly stabbed his cousin sister Prajukta Panigrahi to death in Berhampur, Odisha. The attack happened at a family event under Bada Bazaar police limits. Another cousin, Ayushman, was also injured and is critical. Police have begun an investigation.

In a shocking incident from Ayodhya Nagar, Berhampur, Sandip and his transgender wife Shriya allegedly killed Gariba Bandhu Panda after he denied giving them his ATM card. The retired Odisha government employee succumbed to injuries at MKCG Medical College. Police have arrested the accused duo.

A sniffer dog named Storm from Odisha Police's K9 squad has left for Wayanad, Kerala to assist in search operations after massive landslides. The operation, involving multiple agencies including the Indian Army and NDRF, is in its sixth day with over 200 people still missing. The death toll has surpassed 350.

In Ganjam district, three people, including two Kanwariyas, were killed by a speeding truck on NH 16 near Dimiria chhak. The deceased Kanwariyas were identified as Ranjit Nayak and Sapu Nayak from Khordha's Banpur area.

A Kolkata-based trader, Mithun Mandal, was allegedly robbed of 17 kg fine silver and Rs 5 lakh in cash while travelling in a private bus near Bhejiput chhak at Khallikote in Berhampur on Friday night. The robbery occurred when the bus halted for snacks and four unknown miscreants fled with his bags. Police are investigating the case.

As per the allegations of Rani’s parents, her husband Lakshmi Maharana would often beat up her. Late on Monday night, they received a call from Lakshmi who informed them that Rani committed suicide.

To prevent post-poll violence in Ganjam, local police have imposed early closing hours on liquor shops, hotels, tea stalls, and eateries until June 4. The measures were announced by SP Jagmohan Meena alongside ongoing efforts to arrest criminals and maintain law and order through intensified patrols.

In Odisha, a video showing BJD Minister Bikram Keshari Arukha shouting at election surveillance personnel after his car was stopped has gone viral. This incident during intensified checks to ensure fair elections raises questions about rule exemptions for ministers.

Dilip’s father said, “Four persons with swords attacked us. We were in BJD and they attacked us for joining the BJP. The MLA’s husband is involved and he sent men to attack us. My son is survived by his wife and a 5-year-old son.”

Pradeep Panigarhi had been criticising Naveen Patnaik and VK Pandian since he switched over to the saffron party, resulting in his popularity being on the rise. 

The independent MLA candidate has been booked on attempt to murder charges and has been sent to judicial custody after the rejection of his bail petition.

In Berhampur, during polling, BJP's Pradeep Panigrahi and Independent Shibashankar Das clashed at a booth, resulting in minor injuries for Panigrahi. Post-incident, tensions flared at the police station with supporters demanding Das's release.

The BJP accused the Berhampur police of shielding BJD youth leaders in a gangrape case involving a Plus-II student. Despite detentions and medical examinations, key accused including BJD's Bikram Jena were released, sparking allegations of political interference and calls for an impartial probe.

The BJP protested against the alleged gang rape of a Plus-II student in Berhampur, demanding justice and accusing ruling party leaders of involvement. Police have arrested five, but protests may intensify if all accused are not arrested.

A Plus 2 girl student was allegedly drugged by her friends and later raped by eight accused. A case is registered, and police have detained the suspects.