Sambalpur: The body of a 15-year-old boy was recovered from Dhipapada under Burla police station limits in Sambalpur district Sunday, with police detaining two persons for questioning in connection with the death. The deceased was identified as Firoz Behera, son of Pratap Behera of 1R Colony in Tiarpada.
According to his family members, Firoz had gone out Saturday night to watch a Ganesh immersion procession with some of his friends and did not return home. Firoz spoke to his father over phone Sunday morning, after which his phone was switched off. The family later lodged a missing person complaint at Burla police station.
Residents found Firoz’s body later Sunday in a narrow lane beside an under-construction building near a Shiva temple in Dhipa pada and alerted police. His family members subsequently identified the body. The family and residents initially prevented police from taking the body and demanded the arrest of all those allegedly involved.
A large group later gathered outside Burla police station, alleging that five people were involved in the murder. Burla SDPO Baleswar Gidhi, Burla Inspector-in-Charge Saumyakant Baliarsingh and Khetrajpur IIC Anil Pradhan reached the spot and assured the protesters that action would be taken against anyone found responsible.
The protest was subsequently withdrawn. Police sent the body to VIMSAR for post-mortem examination. Preliminary investigation suggests Firoz had a previous dispute with some youths. Police are also examining an altercation allegedly linked to alcohol and substance use. Blood stains were reportedly found at the site and inside the nearby under-construction building, while injury marks were observed on the boy’s head and other parts of his body. The investigation is continuing. Police said further arrests would be made if the involvement of others is established.
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