Arson After Man Run Over By Tractor In Odisha’s Athagarh

Cuttack: Tension prevailed at Talagarh village under Athagarh’s Kuleilo panchayat in Cuttack district as locals torched properties of those accused of killing a man by running a tractor over him on Wednesday night.

The deceased has been identified as Sushant Kumar Rana (45) of Radhakrushnapur village near Athagarh.

According to sources, Rana had entered into a war of words with accused Babuli Swain over some past political enmity following which the latter chased him on tractor and mowed him down. Rana was rescued in a critical condition and rushed to a hospital, where doctors declared him dead.

Tension erupted following his death as the infuriated family members and other villagers set fire to the properties of the accused, including a poultry farm, a tractor, a car, and two motorcycles. They also did not allow fire fighters to enter the village to douse the blaze.

Police have detained three persons for questioning and two platoon of forces has been deployed in the area to prevent further flare-ups. Senior police officers also rushed to the village to control the situation.

“Raids are being conducted to nab the accused who is on the run. Further investigation can ascertain the reason that led to the death of Rana,” said additional SP Debadatta Baral who is camping in the village.