Nuagaon: Police recovered the body of a young man with his face crushed from Badadhoda Trinath mandap under this block in Nayagarh district Tuesday morning.
Police have identified the body as that of Jitu (35), son of Linga Nahak of Matha Sahi in Korada village.
According to the police, preliminary investigation revealed that Jitu worked as a daily labourer and lived at his father-in-law’s home with his wife Tulasi, one son and one daughter at Khalmada. He had been to Nuagaon on his bike along with fellow villagers Ganga Sethy and Pabana Pradhan at their request and did not return.
Even though his wife Tulasi grew apprehensive after nightfall and attempted contacting him over phone, it remained switched off.
Tuesday morning Jitu’s body was spotted at the mandap and the local residents informed Nuagaon police station. IIC Manorama Mallick reached the spot and intimated the deceased’s family.
On the basis of Tulasi’s statement, police have detained Ganga and Pabana’s father as Pabana is absconding, sources said.
Jitu’s bike was found lying near the veterinary hospital and has been seized.
While it has been confirmed that Jitu was stoned to death, the motive behind the murder is yet to be ascertained. The cops are probing the incident.
PNN