Berhampur/Bhubaneswar/Sambalpur: Holi celebrations in Odisha took a tragic turn as six murders were reported across different districts of the state.

In Berhampur's Brahmana Sahi in Ganjam districts, a businessman named Rama Patra was stabbed to death during a feast following Holi festivities. An argument broke out between Patra and the accused, identified as Papun. The accused left the gathering, returned with a knife, and attacked Patra multiple times before fleeing the scene. Locals later apprehended Papun at his residence and handed him over to the police.

Two separate murders were reported in Bhubaneswar:

In the Sameigadia area under Mancheswar police limits, a youth named Ayushman Pati was hacked to death around 2 PM. Eyewitnesses stated that miscreants chased the victim and attacked him with a blade, inflicting severe injuries on his back and neck. He was declared dead upon arrival at the hospital. The motive behind the murder remains under investigation.

In the Shantipalli slum under Saheed Nagar police limits, a youth named Gopi Guni was stabbed to death by four assailants around 1:45 PM. Police suspect past enmity as the motive for the attack. Guni's wife sustained critical injuries while trying to save him.

Meanwhile, in Sahu Colony under Sambalpur Town Police limits, another daylight murder was reported. Miscreants allegedly lured Aditya Salma from his house and stabbed him to death with a knife, according to the victim’s family members.

Upon receiving the information, the Sambalpur Town Police reached the spot and sent the body for post-mortem at the District Headquarters Hospital. The police arrested the accused, Sahul Singh, and seized the knife used in the murder.

Also read: Youth stabbed to death during celebration of Holi in Odisha capital

In Bailashi Mouza of Cuttack, a youth was shot dead. He was admitted to the hospital but was declared brought dead. The Commissionerate of Police detained the accused and seized a firearm from his possession.

In Nakaharsahi under Angul Town police limits, a youth was attacked by miscreants and suffered grievous injuries. He was admitted to the Angul District Headquarters Hospital, where he was declared dead. Initial investigations suggest past enmity as a possible motive.

Police have launched investigations in all six cases, and efforts are underway to identify and apprehend the culprits involved in the Bhubaneswar and Angul incidents.