Advocate’s son beaten to death over theft suspicion in Odisha

Balasore: An Advocate’s son was allegedly beaten to death in Gunduripada area under Basta police limits in Balasore district late last night on suspicion of theft.

The deceased, identified as Swabhiman Sagarjyoti alias Bunty was son of Advocate Saroj Jena from Ueitikiri village. Last night Swabhiman riding a motorcycle went to Gunduripada village, around 1.5 kilometres from Ueitikiri, where a jatra was being organized.

Later at around 3 AM, some locals spotted Swabhiman in a critical condition with hands and legs tied and injury marks on his head. His motorcycle and mobile phone were missing from the spot.

After receiving information, the police reached the spot and admitted the youth to the Balasore District Headquarter hospital where doctors declared him brought dead.

A police officer said though the cause behind the murder is yet to be known, past rivalry is suspected to be the reason. There have been several criminal cases pending against Swabhiman, the police officer added.

Meanwhile, a villager of Gunduripada said Swabhiman and his associates tried to loot a house late last night. When occupants of the house screamed for help, neighbours were alerted and reached the spot. Though Swabhiman’s associates managed to escape, the locals caught hold of the youth. Swabhiman’s hands and legs were tied by the locals and he was beaten up mercilessly, added the villager.

As tension prevailed in the area following the death, the local administration deployed adequate number of police personnel.