Odisha man beaten to death by nephew in Puri over land dispute; accused absconding

A land dispute in Toriabandha village under Balanga police limits in Puri district escalated into a fatal assault on Tuesday after a man was allegedly chased and beaten to death in the middle of the village by his nephew.

According to reports, the victim, identified as Amiyananda Pradhan, was rushed to the District Headquarters Hospital in critical condition, where doctors declared him dead on arrival. Police have launched an investigation and confirmed that the accused has fled.

Sources reported that the assault took place following a prolonged dispute over ownership and division of family land. Witnesses told police that the accused allegedly dragged the victim to the village square and assaulted him severely before fleeing the scene.

A relative of the deceased said the dispute had intensified in recent weeks after the accused demanded ownership of a prime tract of land.

“The boy wanted a prime piece of land in his name. His uncle assured him that he would be given the plot after crop harvesting. However, he (the nephew) killed him on the spot. We have filed an FIR,” the relative claimed.

Police Recover SUV, Launch Search Teams

Police teams from Balanga and Pipili reached the spot soon after the incident was reported. Officers recovered a Bolero vehicle from the location and have begun verifying ownership and possible links to the crime. The assault triggered tension in the village, prompting additional police deployment.

Pipili SDPO Debashish Mishra said a dedicated team has been formed to trace the absconding accused. Officers are collecting statements from family members, eyewitnesses and neighbours as part of the investigation.

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Hospital authorities confirmed that Pradhan had suffered severe injuries. He was brought in by villagers and police, but could not be revived. The body has been sent for post-mortem, and further action will be taken after the autopsy report and completion of preliminary evidence collection, informed a police official.

As of the last reports, police had not traced the accused.