Balangir: The police have solved a murder case reported from Atanla village under Deogaon police station limits in Balangir district, with the arrest of three persons involved in the crime.
The accused — identified as Raja Kata and Om Nanda of Bandhapada, and Irfan Chatria of Dangarpada — were all childhood friends of the deceased, Sujit Bhoi.
According to police, the incident took place on the evening of October 26, around 7 PM, when the four friends were drinking together at Patarphadi in Atanla village. During the gathering, Raja received a phone call from his mother and asked the group to remain quiet. However, Sujit reportedly ignored his request and began hurling abuses at him.
In a fit of rage, the three friends allegedly assaulted Sujit. In their intoxicated state, they struck him fatally on the neck with a sharp object found nearby.
Addressing a press conference on Tuesday, the Balangir SDPO said the prime accused, Raja, confessed to the crime, admitting that it was committed under the influence of alcohol. All three accused were working as Dulduli drum players.
They were forwarded to court.
Police have seized the weapon used in the crime and are continuing their investigation.
