BJD councillor hacked to death in Odisha’s Ganjam

Berhampur: In gruesome incident, a BJD leader and councillor of Chhatarpur Notified Area Council (NAC) was hacked to death in Odisha’s Ganjam district on Saturday.

The deceased has been identified as Laxmidutta Pradhan, councillor of Chhatarpur from Ward No. 6 of the NAC.

According to reports, around 10-12 unidentified miscreants had attacked Pradhan with sword and other sharp weapons at his house near LIC Colony in Chhatarpur today leaving both of them critical.

Seeing the brutality, Pradhan’s younger brother came to his rescue but the assailants didn’t spare him.

Later the profusely bleeding duo was rushed to MKCG Medical College and Hospital where Pradhan succumbed to his injuries.

Pradhan’s brother is still batting for his life at the medical.

Though the exact reason behind the brutal incident is yet to be known, it is suspected that the councillor was attacked over past enmity.

The entire incident was captured in the CCTV installed in their house.

“He (Laxmidutta Pradhan) was a strong leader and known for his brilliant organisational skills in the area. He had contributed immensely for BJD’s success in Chhatarpur in the last Assembly Elections. There were some threats to his life due to his political prowess,” said Chhatarpur block Chairman Dhananjay Reddy.

Meanwhile, police have launched an investigation into the incident.

BJD Vice President and Minister Surjya Narayan Patro said that as per information received from the local MLA, BJP workers were behind the murder.

State unit of BJP reacted sharply to Patro’s comments by saying when he (Patro) turned an investigating officer.

“The State government should order for a judicial probe into the incident to find out the truth,” said BJP General Secretary Bibhuti Jena.

By the time of filing this report, no one was arrested.