YouTuber Rahul’s murder in Bhubaneswar: Friends recount sequence of events, wife alleges conspiracy

Fresh details have emerged in the murder of Bhubaneswar-based YouTuber Rahul Maharana, with three of his friends recounting the sequence of events that unfolded on the night of February 28 at the GGP Colony High School ground under Mancheswar police limits.

Siba, Babulu and Sachin, who were present at the spot, described how an argument allegedly escalated into fatal violence.

Friends Describe Night of Incident

According to their account, Rahul and his friends were sitting and chatting inside the school ground when, at some distance, three other youths were allegedly consuming intoxicants.

Siba said he had briefly stepped aside to attend a phone call when the situation began to worsen. “I was speaking to someone over the phone and had moved a short distance away. I heard the sound of a glass bottle breaking and questioned them. They asked who I was to stop them. The argument intensified, there was pushing and shoving, and I was hit on the head from behind. I was attacked multiple times and lost consciousness. I do not know what happened afterwards. I was later told Sachin brought me water,” he said.

Sachin stated that he and Rahul rushed to assist Siba. “While I was helping Siba, Rahul confronted one of them, and I joined in. The jawan attacked us in the chest. Rahul later complained of chest pain. I asked him to sit down, rest and return to assist Siba, who was unconscious. When I went back after about 10 minutes, Rahul had bled heavily. We rushed him to the hospital, where he later died,” he said.

Sachin added that he was unaware Rahul had been stabbed at the time. “I saw him being struck in the chest with what appeared to be a closed fist. I did not realise a knife had been used,” he said.

Siba dismissed suggestions of prior enmity. “I do not believe this was due to previous enmity. Who carries a knife over an old argument? A detailed investigation is necessary,” he said, adding that police recorded his statement at around 9:30 pm.

Wife Raises Fresh Questions

Rahul’s wife has raised questions regarding the circumstances of the incident and alleged inconsistencies in the investigation.

“If there was no feast taking place, why was a knife carried?” she asked. “Eyewitnesses are saying that the Army jawan wearing a white T-shirt stabbed him, while police are saying a boy did it. How can police rely on the statement of an accused when there are eyewitnesses?”

Also Read: YouTuber Rahul’s murder in Bhubaneswar: Wife Trisha terms it planned killing

She further alleged that the altercation may have been premeditated. “The quarrel appeared to be staged. They deliberately broke the alcohol bottle. It is a school ground where children play. When Rahul and his friends objected, the argument began. Why was Rahul attacked and not Siba, who first questioned them? Many intervened, yet no one else was injured,” she said.

Police have arrested three persons in connection with the case. The investigation is ongoing.