Post News Network
Puri: A light-hearted friendly wrestling bout between two youths at a club at Mangla slum in Narendrakona area under Kumbharpada police limits Friday night took a dark turn after one of them died soon afterwards, apparently as a result of injuries sustained during the wrestling match.
Family members of the deceased, Jagannath Panda (22), claimed that he was murdered. After they lodged a complaint with police Saturday, a case was registered and five youths were detained.
On Friday night, Panda was watching a World Wrestling Entertainment (WWE) match on TV along with 4-5 youths. Suddenly, a friendly fight ensued between Panda and a friend of his, Kashia. Sources said Kashia lifted Panda during their fight and bounced him against the floor. Panda reportedly sustained severe head injuries and was rushed to the district headquarters hospital. He was admitted in the hospital after first-aid treatment, but he died later.
After the news of Panda’s death spread, Kumbharpada police rushed to the hospital and seized his body. Police detained five youths, including Kashia. They are being interrogated in custody.
Sources said Panda, who originally hailed from Baunsanandi village under Bhanjanagar police limits in Ganjam district, had come to Puri two years ago and was living on rent in the house of Basant Nayak. Panda, who was earning his livelihood by pulling a cycle-rickshaw, had been an active member of Mangla Club near Mangla Lane and used to hang out there frequently.
A local person said on condition of anonymity that the club has lately been a hangout zone and a safe haven for criminals. “After dusk, anti-social elements drink liquor at this club and hatch plans for crimes. Police should keep a vigil on this club,” he added.
Another person said country liquor is brewed in almost every house in the slum and that the illicit liquor trade is going on unabated in the area, leading to a surge in criminal activities in the slums.
