Berhampur: Police Sunday detained as many as five persons on the charge of beating a man to death at Brahmanchhai village under Hinjilicut police limits in Ganjam district.
Two platoons of police force have been deployed in the locality to prevent any untoward incident.
The deceased was identified as Bulu Pradhan (33). Meanwhile, his friend Bana Nahak (30) who was also injured in the attack is undergoing treatment at MKCG Medical College and Hospital in Berhampur.
Sources said the incident occurred while Bana was returning home after work at his farm. Four persons armed with sharp-edged weapons way laid him. Before Bana could understand anything, the four chased him through the street and attacked him.
In bid to save himself, Bana ran shouting for help. Hearing his screams, Bulu rushed to the spot and tried to save his friend. The four then attacked the duo, leaving them profusely bleeding.
Soon after, other villagers gathered and rushed the duo to Hinjilicut Community Health Centre (CHC) from where they were taken to MKCG. However, Bulu succumbed to the injuries during treatment.
Preliminary investigation revealed the attack was the fallout of previous enmity between the two groups created during the panchayat polls.
A sarpanch candidate, Babulu Pradhan, and his supporter Dandapani Pradhan were beaten to death in a group attack during panchayat elections February 20, 2017. Moreover, 10 of his supporters were rendered critical in the attack.
PNN