**Keonjhar:** In a shocking incident, former Anandapur block chairman and ex-MLA candidate from Ghasipura assembly constituency Rama Chandra Behera was found hacked to death by unidentified miscreants over suspected political enmity here today morning.
According to police sources, Behera was called from his Dharakote residence for some negotiations and was allegedly murdered. His legs and hands had been brutally hacked from his body. Anandpur SDPO Bidyut Panda said, “4 teams have been formed and the dead body has been sent for post-mortem. 5 Inspectors-in-charge, 2 Deputy Superintendants of Police and the Additional SP are all personally monitoring the situation.”
Behera was being shifted to SCB Medical College and Hospital in Cuttack from Anandapur Hospital when he succumbed to his injuries in transit. Irate locals have blocked NH-20 demanding speedy justice.
Later in the day, Purna Boiti, Ajit Prusty and Sanjeev Prusty were arrested in connection with the incident.
It is notable to mention here that this Assembly segment in Keonjhar district is one of the important and hyper-sensitive constituencies in the state. In 2014, Rama Chandra Behera had contested the Assembly polls as an independent candidate against heavyweight leaders of BJD, BJP and the Congress.
