Rairakhol (Sambalpur): A gruesome murder shook Badmal village under Rairakhol police limits in Sambalpur district on Saturday when 59-year-old Prafulla Nayak was hacked to death with an axe inside his home.
The accused identified as Bibhuti Pradhan, allegedly driven by a long-standing land dispute, has been arrested by the Rairakhol police.
According to reports, the incident occurred around 11 AM in Badmal village, under Burda Panchayat, when Prafulla was sleeping alone at home.
Seizing the moment, Bibhuti entered the house and launched a sudden and fatal attack with an axe, killing Prafulla instantly. After the crime, Bibhuti fled but was later spotted moving freely in the village, prompting locals to alert the police.
Responding swiftly, the Rairakhol police recovered Prafulla’s body, which was sent for a postmortem examination.
Bibhuti confessed to the murder during police questioning and was taken into custody. A case has been registered, and further investigations are underway.
According to police, the motive behind the killing was a prolonged feud over a land dispute between the two men. The families had a history of conflicts, with frequent arguments escalating tensions. On Saturday, Bibhuti, consumed by vengeance, acted on the opportunity to attack Prafulla while he was alone.
Further investigation in the matter by the police is underway.
