Cuttack: A 45-year-old man was found murdered in Cuttack’s Khannagar on Sunday, sending shockwaves through the city.
The victim, identified as Prakash Das of Hajari Lane in Purighat, was discovered lying in a pool of blood near Khannagar Durga Puja mandap.
Das, who worked in a fish shop, was allegedly attacked with heavy stones, leaving him with fatal head injuries. His blood-stained body was found on the Kathajodi riverbank, under Badambadi police limits.
Family members of the deceased identified him, and demanded swift justice.
The victim’s relatives told mediapersons that he had left home early evening on Saturday. His lifeless body was discovered on Sunday morning.
Teams from Badambadi police station, along with forensic experts, reached the crime scene and collected evidence. The body was sent for post-mortem examination to ascertain the cause of death.
Police have launched a murder probe, investigating personal enmity and gang rivalry as possible motives.
Sources said Das, estranged from his family, had been living alone in a makeshift hut for the last 8-10 years. He worked at fish shops in the Khannagar area to earn a livelihood.
According to those who knew him, he was a known alcoholic and drug user. Investigators are probing whether the murder was linked to a quarrel over consuming contraband substances.
Statements from family members and witnesses are being recorded, and CCTV footage from the temple area and nearby roads is being scrutinised. Police have assured that the culprits will be identified and arrested soon.
Additional patrolling has been ordered around Khan Nagar and the temple premises to prevent further unrest.
