Double murder in Odisha’s Sambalpur over extortion

Sambalpur: Dispute over extortion led to murder of two youths at Thelakopada village under Sambalpur Town police limits in the district today.

Police have arrested two persons, identified as Pandab Mukhi and his aide Sambhu Mukhi, for their alleged involvement in the crime.

According to reports, Pandav Mukhi of the village and his associates were involved in extortion in the locality, which was being opposed by another group.

Around 8 am today, supporters of Pandav Mukhi hacked one Sujit Nag (25) with knife as he was opposing the extortion. Sujit was admitted to the Sadar Hospital here in a critical condition, where he was declared dead.

Tension erupted at the village after the death of Sujit as his supporters set Pandav Mukhi’s house on fire. They also killed one of the associates of Mukhi by thrashing him on village road.

On being informed, police reached the spot and started investigation. Policemen have been deployed in the village to maintain law and order.