A shocking murder rocked Nayagarh district when mining mafia members hacked Ajit Sahu to death near Odagaon late Sunday night, severing his hand and inflicting deep injuries.
Reports said Ajit and his friend Santosh Kumar Pradhan intercepted two trucks loaded with laterite stone near Kadalibandh around 12:50 AM. Investigators revealed they attempted to extort money from the truck owners. Soon after, Dipu alias Purnachandra Nayak, one of the truck owners, arrived at the scene. Heated arguments broke out, and attackers arriving in a Bolero and a motorcycle assaulted Ajit. Witnesses confirmed his right hand was severed during the attack.
The accused fled immediately, leaving Ajit dead on the spot. Villagers blocked the road in protest, demanding police action against both the killers and the illegal stone quarry operations fueling such violence.
Police deployed scientific teams, conducted an inquest, and sent the body for post-mortem at the district hospital. Senior officials, including the IGP Central Range and SP Nayagarh, visited the site to assess the situation. Authorities formed multiple teams to track down the accused, and two suspects have already been apprehended.
A special team, in coordination with mining and revenue officials, will also act against illegal stone quarrying and transportation. Police assured swift arrests and strict legal measures to restore public confidence.
