Odisha BJD Leader Arrested For Teenager’s Murder After Fight Over Chowmein

Jajpur: A BJD leader has been arrested in connection with the murder of a 14-year-boy at Siba Chhak market on February 9.

The accused, identified as Kamal Mallik, the vice-chairman of Jajpur block, was arrested on Tuesday night and remanded to judicial custody on Wednesday.

The incident took place on February 9 evening when Sukadev Das of Gobindpur went to a fast food stall in the market. He was allegedly assaulted by stall owner Anil Mallik for questioning him over the delay in serving a plate of chowmein. On hearing about his father being assaulted, 14-year-old Santanu reached the spot and confronted Anil.

Following which, Kamal and others, who were present at the spot, allegedly thrashed the minor boy with lathis and iron rods. He suffered grievous injuries and was rushed to the district headquarters hospital. He was later shifted to a private hospital in Cuttack where he succumbed during treatment that night.

His family then lodged a complaint with Jajpur Sadar police. Kamal was among the accused named in the FIR.