Patrapur: In a shocking incident, a Class X student was reportedly beaten to death while over eight persons were rendered critical following a group clash between supporters of two political parties.
The incident was reported from Khair village under Jarada police limits in Ganjam district late Tuesday night. On receipt of information, police reached the village and launched a probe.
According to police, a meeting was organised at Radha Krushna Matha in the village for Thakurani festival. All of a sudden, huge noise was heard from the corridor of the village.
The village committee members rushed to the spot only to find the supporters of two separate parties clashing over some issue. They tried to intervene and bring the matter under control, but to no avail.
The attackers beat each other with lathis and wooden logs injuring themselves. After the intervention of more villagers, the clash was dissolved and the injured were admitted to Patrapur community health centre (CHC).
They were shifted to Berhampur-based MKCG Medical College and Hospital after their condition worsened. However, the Class X boy had to be shifted again to a hospital in the Capital city as his condition further deteriorated.
However, he died on the way to hospital, sources said. The injured boy has been identified as Pabitra Pradhan. Among the others injured are Mahendra Pradhan, Bisu Sethy, Manoj Pradhan, Rabindra Pradhan and Anchal Pradhan. All are currently under treatment at MKCG.
After getting information, Chikiti SDPO Surendranath Murmu, Khariaguda outpost officer P Tameya Reddy, Jarada police inspector Medineswar Kanhar reached the village and took stock of the situation.
Villagers alleged that it was a pre-planned violence by a particular group to create disturbance during Takurani festival. They demanded stringent action against the accused persons for taking the life of an innocent minor.
Demanding action against the people who killed his son, Pabitra’s father Ganesh Pradhan said: “During the meeting, Ajit Pradhan, Sumit Pradhan, Amit Pradhan, Bapi Pradhan, Ramesh Pradhan, Bishu Pradhan, Bulu Pradhan, Kalia Pradhan, Santosh Pradhan, Narsingh Patra, Sudhir Pradhan, Susant Pradhan, Narsingh Pradhan, Rajiv Pradhan, Rabi Pradhan, Sudhanshu Pradhan, Mithun Pradhan and Dwarika Pradhan armed with sharp-edged weapons attacked Mahendra Pradhan, Bisu Sethy, Manoj Pradhan, Rabi Pradhan, Anchal Pradhan and Pabitra Pradhan over post-poll enmity.”
He further alleged that the cops were sitting pretty and not taking any action even as violence has been continuing in the village since election.
“Had, the cops done something earlier, my son would have been alive now,” Ganesh added.
The incident has spread a pall of gloom in the area as the boy’s body was brought to the village after autopsy. Villagers demanded immediate arrest of the accused who have been on the run after the incident.
PNN
