A man was killed and his hand severed in Odisha amid a violent clash over illegal laterite stone mining, prompting arrests and a crackdown on illegal quarrying.
Key Points
- A man was killed in Odisha's Nayagarh district due to a dispute over illegal laterite stone mining.
- The victim was allegedly attacked with a sword, resulting in his death and the severing of his right hand.
- Police have arrested four individuals in connection with the murder.
- The incident occurred after the victim and a friend allegedly attempted to extort money from trucks transporting laterite stone.
- Authorities are forming a special team to curb illegal stone quarrying and transportation in the district.
A man was killed by assailants who also allegedly chopped off his right hand in Odisha's Nayagarh district on Monday in a dispute over illegal mining of laterite stone, police said.
The deceased was identified as Ajit Kumar Sahoo (38), a resident of Odagaon police station area in Nayagarh district. With the arrest of two more persons in the evening, so far four accused persons have been arrested, the police said.
Details Of The Attack
It is alleged that while Ajit and his friends were standing on the roadside, six persons came in a vehicle and suddenly attacked them with a sword, causing severe injuries resulting in the death of Ajit instantly. After the incident, the accused persons fled away from the spot, said the police.
Investigation Reveals Extortion Attempt
During the investigation so far, the police ascertained that two trucks loaded with laterite stone were intercepted by the deceased and his friend Santosh Kumar Pradhan at Kadalibandh at about 12.50 am, allegedly to extort money.
The owner of one of the trucks reached the spot after getting a telephone call from the driver regarding the blocking of the truck. Later, a few other persons reached there in an SUV and a motorcycle and engaged in heated arguments with the deceased and Santosh, said a police officer.
The Fatal Confrontation
There was a tussle between the two groups, and suddenly one of the accused brought out a sword from the SUV while another held the neck of the deceased Ajit with all his might, he said.
As Ajit could not resist and fell down, the accused persons together dealt repeated sword blows on Ajit, resulting in severe deep injuries and his right hand, which was severed from the wrist portion, the police officer said.
Public Reaction And Police Response
People got agitated and blocked the road, demanding police action in this case as well as action against illegal stone quarry. They also submitted a memorandum to the local authority in this connection.
After registering a case at Odagaon police station, the body was sent to Nayagarh hospital for an autopsy, he said.
IGP, central range, Satyajit Naik and Nayagarh SP S Susree visited the spot.
"All four accused persons in the murder case have been arrested. Multiple teams have been formed for speedy investigation of the case," said Naik.
Crackdown On Illegal Mining
Scientific and digital evidence is being collected to ensure a foolproof investigation.
One special team in coordination with the district mining officer and other concerned revenue officials will be entrusted with the task of curbing the menace of illegal stone quarry and its transportation, the officer said.
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