Jharsuguda: Former Vice-Chancellor of Sambalpur University Dhruva Raj Naik was allegedly hacked to death by a youth in front of his residence at Kuaramal village under Laikera police limits in Jharsuguda district on Sunday.
Giving details of the events leading to his murder, Jharsuguda SP Bikash Das said that Praveen Dharua (20) of Kuaramal village barged into the bedroom of the house holding an axe in his hand. “Naik’s wife, daughter and son-in-law were at home. The family members said that Praveen demanded some money. Naik was surprised to see him in the bedroom when he returned home and questioned his action. The youth then rushed out of the house and started creating a ruckus. He struck Naik with the axe when he came out of the house to pacify him,” he said.
The family members of ex-VC had earlier told the media that the youth had barged into their house in an inebriated state around 11 am and demanded Rs 100. When Naik opposed his action, he hacked him to death.
The SP said that the accused was apprehended within 2 hours after police along with Jungle Sathis and villagers did a recce of the nearby forest area. “An FIR has been lodged under Sections 159 (committing an affray) and 302 (punishment for murder). His body will soon be sent for postmortem,” he said, adding that he and the collector had gone to the hospital where he was admitted and declared brought dead.
Das said that the reason behind the murder is yet to be ascertained. “There could be some land dispute as a case was earlier registered in connection with a pond or a sudden provocation could have led to the attack. The real reason can be ascertained only after proper investigation,” he told mediaperson.
