Bhubaneswar: A man died after allegedly being beaten with an iron rod over past enmity at Patana under Balianta police limits on the outskirts of Bhubaneswar. The incident took place October 20, and the victim, Smrutiranjan Martha, succumbed to his injuries at a private hospital Thursday. Police have registered a murder case following a complaint by the deceased’s wife, Mamali Martha. One accused, Mahesh Jena, has been arrested, while the others are absconding.
Alleging police inaction, Mamali claimed she had reported the assault on her husband on the day of the incident, but no action was taken. She alleged that police acted only after her husband’s death and accused them of protecting the prime accused, Ashok Jena.
Demanding immediate arrest of all accused, the victim’s relatives and villagers gheraoed Balianta police station Thursday. Smrutiranjan, a builder residing in Patana, had a dispute with Ashok’s family over a land sale around 20 days ago. On October 20, an argument broke out between Smrutiranjan’s driver and villager Daitari Muduli over an unspecified issue at around 4.30pm. Smrutiranjan’s younger brother, Hritik Martha, went to the spot to intervene.
Ashok arrived and abused Hritik. When the latter objected, Ashok called his two sons, Asit and Ashish. Smrutiranjan reached the spot after learning about the altercation. Ashok and his family members allegedly assaulted the two brothers, repeatedly striking Smrutiranjan in the chest with an iron rod. He collapsed unconscious. He was rushed to a private hospital, where he died Thursday while undergoing treatment.
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