Berhampur: In a shocking incident in Ganjam district, a woman was allegedly hacked to death by her partner’s brother while staging a protest to claim her rights, leaving behind a three-year-old child and raising serious questions about her safety.
The incident occurred on Tuesday afternoon at K. Kharida village under Hinjili police limits. The deceased has been identified as Puja Swain, a resident of the Rambha area, while the accused, Litu Gouda, has been detained for questioning.
According to preliminary reports, Puja had been in a relationship with Chintu Gouda of the same village for the past four years after they connected on Instagram. The couple had eloped and lived as migrant labourers in another state, during which they had a daughter. Sources said Puja was also four months pregnant.
A few months ago, Chintu brought Puja and their child back to his ancestral home in K Kharida. However, around 15 days ago, he allegedly abandoned them at Berhampur railway station on the pretext of stepping away briefly, and never returned.
After waiting through the night, Puja reportedly approached Hinjili police station three days ago and lodged a complaint. Police are said to have advised reconciliation, suggesting the couple should live together.
On Tuesday, Puja staged a sit-in protest in front of Chintu’s house, demanding recognition of her relationship and rights. Police and media personnel reached the spot in the morning and attempted to mediate the situation before leaving.
Shortly after their departure, the accused, identified as Chintu’s brother, allegedly attacked Puja with an axe in a fit of rage, killing her on the spot.
Police rushed to the scene upon receiving information, recovered the body, and sent it for postmortem examination. A case has been registered and further investigation is underway. The accused has been detained and is being interrogated.
The victim’s minor daughter has been taken into protective custody. The brutal killing has triggered widespread outrage in the locality, with concerns being raised about the child’s future and the circumstances leading to the incident.
