Hinjilicut: In a horrific incident, a man was beaten to death while another was left battling for life during a clash between two groups at Brahmanachai village under Shergad block and Hinjilicut police limits in Ganjam district Saturday.
The deceased was identified as Bulu Pradhan (33). The injured Bana Nahak (30) was admitted to MKCG Medical College and Hospital in Berhampur.
While Bana was the target of the opponent group, Bulu lost his life in a bid to save the former, villagers said. The incident spread tension and outrage in the village as the two groups ran riot after the death reports. The villagers ransacked each other’s houses and pelted stones at each other, injuring many.
Sources said the incident occurred while Bana was returning home after work at his farm. Four persons armed with sharp-edged weapons way laid him. Before Bana could understand anything, the four chased him through the street and attacked him.
In bid to save himself, Bana ran shouting for help. Hearing his screams, Bulu rushed to the spot and tried to save his friend. The four then attacked the duo, leaving them profusely bleeding.
Soon after, other villagers gathered and rushed the duo to Hinjilicut Community Health Centre (CHC) from where they were taken to MKCG. However, Bulu succumbed to the injuries during treatment.
Two police platoons were deployed in the village to maintain law and order. IIC Prasant Kumar Sahu took stock of the situation. Preliminary investigation revealed the attack was the fallout of previous enmity between the two groups created during the panchayat polls.
A sarpanch candidate, Babulu Pradhan, and his supporter Dandapani Pradhan were beaten to death in a group attack during panchayat elections February 20, 2017. Moreover, 10 of his supporters were rendered critical in the attack.
PNN