A drunken brawl in Kendujhar district turned fatal on Saturday evening, claiming the life of ward member Manoj Kumar Nayak, popularly known as Nalu.
The incident occurred in Harichandanpur block under Revanapalaspal Gram Panchayat.
According to reports, Manoj was drinking with friends when a heated argument broke out. During the altercation, one of the men allegedly kicked him in the chest, leaving him critically injured. Manoj was rushed to the Revanapalaspal Community Health Centre and later shifted to Harichandanpur CHC, but doctors declared him dead before treatment could begin.
Following the incident, Manoj’s family lodged a complaint at Daitari police station, alleging he was beaten to death. Police seized the body and sent it for post-mortem at Anandapur Sub-Divisional Hospital.
Hrushikesh Behera, officer-in-charge of Daitari police station, confirmed that a murder case has been registered and investigation is underway. The incident has triggered shock and tension in the locality, with police probing the role of Manoj’s friends in the assault.
