A violent attack in Basta, Baleswar district, claimed the life of a 24-year-old youth named Sanjit Mallik. Four assailants targeted him near Junbalda Square on National Highway 16, striking with sharp weapons over an old rivalry.
The clash stemmed from a dispute linked to a mobile phone theft two months ago. Although both sides had signed a written settlement at the panchayat level, hostility resurfaced. On Wednesday evening, the attackers confronted Sanjit near a weighing scale point and assaulted him brutally. Locals rushed him to Remuna Medical College Hospital, where doctors declared him dead.
Police arrested three accused, including Chittaranjan Pradhan, who was caught by villagers while attempting to flee. The other attackers, identified as Aniket Patra and Bula Singh, were also detained. Another accused remains under treatment at Jaleswar GK Bhattar Hospital.
Outraged locals demanded strict action against the culprits. They blocked National Highway 16 for nearly four hours by burning tyres, halting hundreds of vehicles. The protest intensified as people insisted on justice and accountability. Senior police officials, including Additional SP Niranjan Behera and SDPOs from Basta and Jaleswar, reached the spot with reinforcements to pacify the crowd.
By late night, authorities managed to restore calm, and traffic resumed. Police forces remained deployed until early morning to prevent further unrest.
