Bhanjanagar: A youth who was allegedly beaten by villagers on suspicion of theft in Sardula village under Bhanjanagar police limits in Ganjam district succumbed to his injuries on Saturday morning while undergoing treatment at the Bhanjanagar Sub-Divisional Hospital.
The deceased has been identified as Banadhar Pradhan of Kurumungia village under G. Udayagiri police station in Kandhamal district.
According to preliminary investigation and local sources, a group of youths had reportedly entered Sardula village late on Friday night with the alleged intention of committing theft. Some villagers, alerted by suspicious movement, woke up and attempted to catch them. While a few managed to escape, Banadhar Pradhan was allegedly apprehended by locals and beaten severely. He sustained grievous injuries on his legs, hands and other parts of the body.
Police were informed about the incident and reached the spot on Saturday morning. The injured youth was shifted to the Bhanjanagar Sub-Divisional Hospital for treatment, but he succumbed to his injuries while undergoing medical care. The body has been seized and sent for further legal procedures.
In connection with the incident, police have detained more than 30 men from the village for questioning. Additional Superintendent of Police Ranjan Kumar De visited the hospital and is supervising the investigation. Multiple police teams led by the Inspector-in-Charge of Bhanjanagar police station, Jibananda Jena, have reached the village to ascertain the sequence of events and identify those involved.
Speaking on the matter, ASP Ranjan Kumar De said that an investigation is underway to determine how the youth sustained injuries and under what circumstances he died. He added that the truth will emerge after a thorough probe and necessary legal action will be taken accordingly.
