Rengali: At the height of a family property dispute, a forty-year-old man was left battling for life as he was attacked by way of a gang-up by his father, younger brother and sister-in-law over a property disputeThursday. He was rescued by the police and admitted to a hospital but his condition was stated critical.
The victim was Umesh Panigrahy. The accused were his father Rabi Narayan Panigrahy (60), younger brother Hemant Panigrahy (32) and sister-in-law Rani Panigrahy. Father Panigrahy has, beside the two sons, four daughters who had been married off. While Umesh was unmarried and took care of the ancestral property, Hemant was visually-challenged. Umesh got him married to Rani of Hirakud area.
According to police, father Panigrahy possessed around 100acres of land, which he put on sale. Umesh was against the sale, and this created a rift in the family. Angered that Umesh was standing in the way, Panigrahy convinced son Hemant and his wife of the need to eliminate Umesh.
As per their plan, Hemant called his brother-in-law and sought his help in the murder, in return for money. The brother-in-law along with his aide reached Umesh’s village, all pre-planned.
Police said, based on first information, that the incident allegedly happened this way. The five including Hemant’s wife overpowered Umesh while he was taking a bathing and tied his limbs. They then sprinkled chilly power on Umesh’s eyes. Father Panigrahy took an axe and hit Umesh on his head, and the latter fainted. Assuming he was dead, the five put him in a room, planning to dispose of the body at night. Umesh however gained consciousness after some time, escaped from the room and sought the help of neighbours.
Police then came in and rescued Umesh. With the help of the locals, police arrested the three while Hemant’s brother-in-law and his aide escaped from the scene. The three have been produced in court, police said adding a probe was on.
