Former Block chairman murdered in Keonjhar

Surjit Kumar Dhal,Keonjhar, March 26: Former Anandapur block chairman Rama Chandra Behera was hacked to death by unidentified miscreants early this morning.

Behera had earlier contested election and political animosity is suspected behind the crime.

According to police, Behera was called from his Dharakote residence for some negotiations and was allegedly attacked with sharp edged weapons.

His legs and hands had been brutally severed from the body.

He succumbed to his injuries while being rushed to SCB Medical College and Hospital in Cuttack.

Anandpur SDPO Bidyut Panda who is investigating the crime said, “Four teams have been formed to probe the case. Two Deputy Superintendants of Police and the Additional SP are personally monitoring the situation.”

Four persons have so far been taken into custody on suspicion, said police sources while the body has been sent for postmortem.

Irate locals have blocked NH-20 demanding immediate action.

Notably, Behera had contested the Assembly polls as an independent candidate against heavyweight leaders of BJD, BJP and the Congress during the 2014 election.