Minor boy beaten to death over sharing of stolen mobile phones in Odisha’s Sambalpur

Sambalpur: A minor boy was severely beaten to death today by some of his accomplices over sharing of stolen mobile phones at Karamtuli of Budharaja locality under Ainthapali police limits in Sambalpur district. The deceased minor was identified as Deba Jamadalia from the same locality.

According to a police source, the minor used to steal mobile phones along with a few other boys including another minor. Earlier in the day, they had pickpocketed some mobile phones and were sharing the stolen gadgets. All of a sudden, an altercation erupted between the boys over the sharing of mobile phones.

The accused took Deba to a secluded place and things took an ugly turn when, in a fit of rage, other boys allegedly beat the victim minor to death. After being severely beaten, Deba collapsed on the ground and became unconscious. He was taken to a nearby hospital by the other boys for treatment. However, doctors at the health facility declared him ‘brought dead’.

On being informed about it, Ainthapali police reached the hospital. The accused boys fled from the hospital after seeing the police team. Later, police nabbed them and initiated a probe into the alleged murder, which is underway. Deba’s body was sent for post-mortem and a report is awaited.

“Taking advantage of rush at different places, the boys steal mobile phones,” an official said.