Balangir: A long-running alleged extramarital relationship ended in bloodshed in Balangir district after a knife attack left one man dead and a woman along with her minor daughter critically injured, police said on Wednesday.
The incident took place in the Belpada area, where the deceased, identified as Muna Behera of Antarla village, allegedly attacked Sasmita Meher and her minor daughter with a knife. Both sustained serious injuries and were admitted to Bhima Bhoi Medical College and Hospital in Balangir for treatment.
According to preliminary information, Sasmita, who had been married for around a decade, allegedly developed a relationship with Muna after he and her husband jointly operated a poultry farm in Antarla village. Police said the relationship reportedly continued for several years before disputes arose between the two, resulting in frequent altercations.
A few days before the incident, Sasmita had returned to her parental home in the Belpada area along with her daughter. Police sources said Muna, accompanied by three others, allegedly attempted to take her back. When Sasmita went into hiding, he allegedly tried to take away the minor girl, but villagers intervened and caught one of the accused. A case was subsequently registered at Belpada police station, while Muna reportedly absconded.
Following the police complaint, Muna allegedly circulated intimate videos involving the woman on social media and threatened to end his life by consuming poison, according to local residents.
On Wednesday, Muna allegedly arrived at Belpada armed with a knife and attacked Sasmita and her daughter. During the ensuing confrontation, members of the woman’s family allegedly retaliated, leaving Muna with fatal stab injuries. He died during the incident.
Police have launched an investigation into the sequence of events leading to the violence.
Further investigation is underway to ascertain the circumstances surrounding the attack, the circulation of the videos, and Muna’s death.
