Bhadrak: Ward member killed in alleged attack over village dispute

Bhadrak: A ward member was allegedly hacked to death after a village quarrel turned deadly after a few months of verbal spats between two parties on late Wednesday. The incident took place in Katarigadia village under Sarsada panchayat in Bhandaripokhari police station limits in Odisha’s Bhadrak district.

The deceased has been identified as Jagannath Sahu.

According to reports, Jagannath and Ratnakar Sahu, another resident of the village had been locked in a dispute regarding a village road development project which later intensified into a bitter rivalry.

On Wednesday, while Jagannath along with his associate Batakrushna were traveling on a motorcycle, they were allegedly assaulted.

Following which critically injured Jagannath was rushed to Bhandaripokhari hospital by villagers.

However, doctors declared him dead in the hospital.

Upon hearing the news of the killing of the ward member, villagers rushed to the hospital, shock and anguish etched on their faces. Most of them were expressing utter disbelief over a development issue taking such a gruesome turn.

On being informed, police reached the spot and seized the body. The accused Ratnakar Sahu was taken into custody in connection with the killing. Further investigation is underway.