Berhampur: Celebrations during Danda Nacha festival were marred by violence, which led to the murder of a committee member in Odisha’s Berhampur.
According to sources, the tragic incident took place in Badabazaar area of the city. The deceased, identified as Jagdish Panigrahi (34), was a member of the Belagaon Danda Nacha Committee.
Violence erupted following an argument during a ritual procession as part of the event. Jagdish was stabbed to death allegedly by Trinath Panigrahi (73), who heads the Belagaon Danda Nacha Committee, and his son, Pradeep Panigrahi (34), in a fit of rage during the verbal altercation.
Locals said the conflict escalated rapidly and Jagdish was attacked with a knife. He sustained fatal injuries in his neck in the brutal attack.
Following the incident, Jagadish was rushed to the MKCG Medical College and Hospital in Berhampur. However, doctors declared him dead on arrival.
Police have taken the father-son duo into custody and started an investigation into the matter.
“The deceased had taken money from some persons hoping that father-son would agree to put up a stage for them. But when father-son declined, the deceased realised that he would be losing money,” said Berhampur SP Dr Saravana Vivek M.
The Jatra stage, light and sound system were arranged by the father and son. Jagdish had also come with them. They knew each other for 30 years, he added.
