Woman Hacked to Death, Another Critical Over Roof Construction Dispute in Balasore

Bhubaneswar: A 39-year-old woman was allegedly hacked to death while another sustained critical injuries following a violent clash over roof construction work at Haripur village under Khaira police limits in Odisha’s Balasore district on Sunday.

The deceased has been identified as Kamala Sethy. Her sister-in-law, Shankuntala Sethy, who suffered grievous injuries in the attack, was initially admitted to Khaira Hospital and later shifted to SCB Medical College and Hospital in Cuttack after her condition deteriorated.

According to reports, the incident took place on Sunday morning when Surendra Sethy and his family were carrying out centring work for the roof of their under-construction house. A dispute reportedly erupted with neighbouring residents over the construction on a disputed plot of land.

The argument soon escalated into violence after neighbour Bharat Jena and his family members allegedly objected to the construction work. Police said Bharat Jena, his wife Bharati, son Manas, and another family member identified as Minati allegedly attacked Surendra’s family with sharp weapons.

Kamala Sethy sustained fatal injuries and died on the spot. Surendra Sethy, his wife Shankuntala, and daughter Tulasi were also seriously injured in the assault.

Police have registered a case in connection with the incident. Bharati has been detained for questioning, while efforts are underway to apprehend the remaining accused.