Bargarh: A 45-year-old man was allegedly murdered in Bargarh district amid a long-running dispute linked to his son’s relationship with a married woman, police said on Friday.
The deceased has been identified as Trinath Naik of Turla village under Jharbandh police limits. Police have detained a villager, Jogendra Kharsel, after the victim’s family accused him of involvement in the murder.
According to family members, a few years ago, Trinath’s son developed a relationship with Jogendra’s wife. The two later eloped to another state. Following the incident, Jogendra allegedly demanded that his wife be brought back and sought Rs 3 lakh as compensation.
To resolve the matter and protect his son, Trinath reportedly sold a portion of his land, paid the demanded amount, and helped bring Jogendra’s wife back from Himachal Pradesh. However, family members said that she recently left home again and allegedly eloped once more.
Tension resurfaced on Thursday night when Jogendra allegedly visited Trinath’s house at around 10 pm, accusing his son of taking away his wife. An argument reportedly broke out between the two, during which Jogendra is alleged to have abused and threatened Trinath.
According to the family, Trinath was sleeping near the entrance of his house at around 1 am when unidentified persons allegedly slit his throat and killed him. The family has accused Jogendra of being behind the crime.
On receiving information about the incident, Jharbandh police reached the spot and launched an investigation. Jharbandh IIC Sanjay Kumar Parida said the accused has been detained and is being questioned.
A scientific team also visited the crime scene and collected evidence. Police said they are investigating all angles, including the possibility of involvement of other persons in the murder.
Further investigation is underway.
