A Mahima Alekh monk was found murdered near a pond in Amuni village under the Sadar police limits of Keonjhar district on Friday morning.
Family members alleged that a property dispute and repeated threats led to the killing.
The deceased, identified as Srikanta Mahakud, was associated with the Alekh Mahima Math at Binida and regularly performed rituals there. He went to the village pond for a bath around 5:30 am. A few hours later, villagers found him lying dead near the pond with severe head injuries. Police suspect that he was attacked with a stone.
His son, Khageswar Mahakud, claimed that a local resident had repeatedly threatened his father over a property dispute. He said the suspect had warned that he would kill his father near the pond and had now done so.
Villagers described Srikanta as a respected figure known for his devotion to the Mahima Math. The brutal nature of the murder shocked the community. Police have begun investigating all possible angles and are verifying the family’s allegations.
Sadar Police reached the spot, sent the body for post-mortem, and started collecting evidence. Officers are questioning local residents to determine the motive and identify the attacker.
No arrests have been made yet, and the investigation continues.
