Sarpanch’s Husband, His Associate 'Hacked To Death' In Odisha

Cuttack: Tension ran high at Khajuripada village under Banki police limits in Cuttack district following the alleged murder of Khajuripada-Nuagaon village sarpanch’s husband and his associate by unidentified miscreants.

The sarpanch’s husband, Bhagaban Swain and his associate Aditya Ransingh were reportedly returning from the panchayat office at around 2:30 pm on Saturday (on a two-wheeler) when they were attacked near Jokalangi bridge crossing.

"We had to stop near Jokalangi bridge as the road was blocked with GI wires. Suddenly, around 10 people attacked Bhagaban and Aditya with sharp weapons,” an eyewitness narrated the incident adding, “Seeing the fierce attack on both of them, I got frightened and flee the stop.”

Both Bhagaban and Aditya reportedly suffered severe injuries in the attack and were rushed to SCB Medical College and Hospital in Cuttack by some locals. However, the duo succumbed to the grievous injuries.

"Aditya had several enemies because of his involvement in some suspicious activities. We suspect the attack was on him, but as Bhagaban was with him, the miscreants didn't spare him too,” said Radha Binod Panigrahi, Cuttack SP (Rural).

“Though it is clear that the attack was pre-planned, the case is currently in a premature stage. The police officials reached the spot with a scientific team without any delay after receiving the information and are investigating the case,” added Panigrahi.

Meanwhile, three platoons of police force have been reportedly deployed in the village to avoid any untoward incident.

Later in the day, a video came into fore which records the dying statement of Bhagaban. Before breathing his last breathes he named few of the miscreants as Pandav Pradhan, Bhramar Pradhan, Kumar Pradhan, Kalia and Balia. Bhagaban in his last statement said, “Around 15-20 men attacked, hacked my legs and fleed the spot.”

Aditya’s brother said, “Past enmity is a possible reason behind the attack as Sarpanch’s husband was with us.”

Family members have alleged that the workers of the ruling party are behind the murder plot.

“The family members have filed FIR against three persons and more are suspected to be involved in the murder plan. We are focusing on every possible angle to collect the clues and are carrying out the investigation,” informed Alekh Chandra Pahi, Cuttack Additional SP (Rural).