Bhadrak: A ward member was hacked to death and another person critically injured in a sudden attack by a group at a village in Bhandaripokhari area of Odisha’s Bhadrak district.
According to sources, the incident took place at Uttaragadia village of Sarasada panchayat under the jurisdiction of Bhandaripokhari police station late on Wednesday night.
The deceased has been identified as Jagan Sahu, the elected ward member of Ward No. 13 of Sarasada panchayat. The injured, identified as Batakrushna Sahu, is undergoing treatment at SCB Medical College and Hospital in Cuttack.
Sources said the incident took place when Jagan Sahu and Batakrushna Sahu were returning home from the market. Police suspect the attack was the fallout of previous enmity.
The accused were reportedly waiting on the roadside before launching the attack with a sharp weapon.
Jagan sustained severe injuries to his neck, chest and abdomen and reportedly died on the spot. Batakrushna sustained grievous injuries as he was also attacked while trying to save Jagan.
Batakrushna was initially admitted to Bhandaripokhari Community Health Centre (CHC) and later shifted to SCB Medical College and Hospital in Cuttack as his condition became critical.
Initiating an investigation into the incident, police have detained two persons – Ratnakar Sahu and Jagadananda Nayak – and are questioning them in connection with the case.
Locals said Ratnakar had allegedly attacked Jagan Sahu in a similar incident around two years ago and was later released on bail.
