Parajang: In a shocking incident, the helper of a truck was beaten to death by the driver over suspicion of theft.
The deceased was identified as Babuli Mallick of Osara village under Dharmasala police limits in Jajpur district.
The incident occurred last Friday and the helper succumbed to his injuries while undergoing treatment Monday.
The police registered a case of murder and arrested the driver Tuesday. He was identified as Debendra Chandra Mahapatra of Jhadeswar village near Mahanga in Cuttack district.
According to reports, the driver and helper had gone to Talcher to bring coal. When Debendra found Rs 6,000 missing from his purse, he suspected Babuli of stealing his money and attacked him with an iron rod.
In a fit of rage, Debendra thrashed Babuli and when the latter fell unconscious, the driver fled the spot, leaving the helper on the roadside. When passers-by spotted Babuli in a critical condition alongside National Highway-149, they admitted him to Talcher Mandapal hospital.
Based on the complaint of Babuli’s brother Arun Mallick, the police launched a probe.
Debendra confessed to the crime during interrogation.
PNN