Bhubaneswar: A serving ward member was killed while another person left in critical condition after being assaulted by miscreants late on Wednesday night in Uttaragadia village under Sarasada panchayat in Bhadrak district’s Bhandaripokhari area.
The victim has been identified as Jagan Sahu, the elected ward member from Ward No. 13 of Sarasada panchayat. The injured has been identified with Batakrushna Sahu. He was shifted to SCB Medical College and Hospital in Cuttack for advanced treatment.
The attack occurred around 10 pm as Jagan and Batakrushna were walking back home from the local market.
According to police, the incident appears to stem from prior personal enmity. The assailants reportedly waited along the roadside and ambushed the two with a sharp weapon.
Jagan suffered deep wounds to his neck, chest, and abdomen and was pronounced dead at the scene. Batakrushna sustained serious injuries while attempting to save him. He was first taken to Bhandaripokhari Community Health Centre before being transferred to Cuttack due to the severity of his condition.
The killing has caused widespread alarm in the village, given Jagan Sahu’s prominence as a local elected representative.
Meanwhile, police have taken Ratnakar Sahu and Jagadananda Nayak into custody for questioning.
Sources indicate that Ratnakar Sahu had previously attacked Jagan Sahu in a similar incident roughly two years ago and was later granted bail.
Bhandaripokhari police have launched an investigation to determine whether the attack was premeditated and are continuing to gather evidence.