Bhubaneswar: A local trader was allegedly brutally murdered near Gayatri Basti under Lingaraj police limits in Bhubaneswar late on Thursday.
The deceased, identified as Jitu Kandi from the nearby Shishupal area, ran a betel or paan shop in the Garage Chhak locality, was found with severe head injuries after being attacked with a sharp weapon. His blood-soaked body was discovered lying near the shop on Friday morning.
Local witnesses reported hearing shouting and an argument in the area during the late hours, with some describing commotion under the influence of alcohol. One relative recounted that she woke around 5 am to offer prayers, noticed the shop open and slippers lying nearby, and then saw blood on the victim’s head, though she observed the scene only from a distance and did not witness any direct confrontation.
Lingaraj police reached the location soon after receiving information, secured the crime scene, and launched an investigation. The body has been sent for postmortem while forensic evidence is being collected. The motive remains unclear at this stage.
Preliminary inquiries indicate that Jitu had been consuming alcohol with four other persons last night before the fatal assault. Three individuals — Gangadhar Behera, Chagu and Babuna Behera — have been detained for questioning, while a fourth suspect, Gopal Das, is absconding.
Locals alleged that the victim sometimes collected money from nearby establishments and had been involved in the illegal liquor trade. His shop had earlier been shut down by police but he had reportedly resumed operations.
Police are examining whether an argument linked to these activities or events that followed the group’s drinking session led to the murder. Further details are awaited as the probe continues.
