20 held for beating man to death over suspicion of theft

Berhampur: A 37-year-old man from Kandhamal was allegedly beaten to death by villagers at Sardula in Ganjam district over suspicion of theft late Friday night. Police on Saturday arrested 20 people for their alleged involvement in the murder. The deceased was identified as Banadhar Pradhan, a resident of Kurumingia in Kandhamal district. He was rushed to the sub-divisional hospital in Bhanjanagar early on Saturday, where doctors declared him dead.
Police said three persons, including Banadhar, allegedly robbed the locked house of Sushant Gouda, a villager, on Friday night. On spotting them, a neighbour raised an alarm. While villagers caught one of them, others managed to escape. The villagers then allegedly tied him to an electric pole and assaulted him, leading to his death. "Investigation is going on to ascertain the motive behind the killing," said Deepak Mishra, sub-divisional police officer, Bhanjanagar. "Search is on to nab other persons who took law into their hands," he said. The mobile phone of the deceased and the ropes used to tie his hands were seized from the accused, police said.Jeebanananda Jena, inspector in-charge, Bhanjanagar police station, said most of the villagers, especially youths, fled fearing police action. Police forces have been deployed in the village and a forensic team engaged to assist in the investigation. Police have launched raids in Sardula and neighbouring areas to nab the other accused as well as those involved in the theft. Gouda alleged the thieves looted some gold ornaments and at least 20 new saris from his home after they entered by breaking the lock. The family had gone out to attend a function, sources said.