21-Year-Old Youth Stabbed to Death in Puri, Friend Suspected

Puri: A 21-year-old youth was found murdered near Hotel Sterling Mangala under Baliapanda police station limits in Puri on Friday.

The victim, identified as Rajesh, was allegedly stabbed to death. Police suspect the involvement of his friend, with whom he reportedly had a dispute over unpaid dues.

According to sources, Rajesh’s friend had taken him to Kolkata for work before the Rath Yatra, where an argument arose over pending payments. Rajesh had been demanding his money, which is believed to have led to tension and possibly the fatal attack.

Baliapanda police have registered a murder case and seized the body for post-mortem. Investigators are probing whether Rajesh’s friend acted alone or if others were involved in the crime.