Sundargarh, June 27: A domestic dispute took a tragic turn in Odisha's Sundargarh district after a neighbour who intervened to pacify a quarrel between a husband and wife was allegedly hacked to death. The incident occurred at Dehuripada under Jamuna Mayabahal village in the Talsara police station limits on Friday night.
The deceased has been identified as Hemant Naik, while the accused, Kandarpa Dehuri, has been arrested. Police have launched a detailed investigation into the case.
According to police, the village was observing its annual ‘Demul Puja’on Friday, during which Kandarpa was serving as the village priest. Following the rituals, an argument broke out between Kandarpa and his wife, which soon escalated into a physical altercation.
Fearing for her safety, Kandarpa's wife ran to the house of their neighbour, Hemant Naik. Kandarpa followed her there, where Hemant, along with his brother and sister, attempted to defuse the situation. During the confrontation, Kandarpa allegedly assaulted Hemant's sister, triggering a scuffle between the two men.
Villagers later escorted Kandarpa back to his house. However, police said that between 10:30 pm and 11:00 pm, Kandarpa allegedly returned armed with a sharp weapon and attacked Hemant while he was sitting alone outside his house. Hemant sustained grievous head injuries and died on the spot.
On receiving information, Talsara police reached the scene and detained the accused before placing him under arrest. A scientific team was called to examine the crime scene, and the body was sent to the District Headquarters Hospital for post-mortem examination.
The incident has left the victim's family devastated. Hemant had lost his father, Lalmani Naik, last year, and his sister's wedding was scheduled to take place on July 6. The tragedy has cast a pall of gloom over the bereaved family and the entire village.
