Athagarh: An elderly man hacked his neighbour to death over a petty issue at Patlinga village under Athagarh police limits in Cuttack district Monday. The accused was identified as Golak Rout (73) while the deceased was identified as Narayan Dehuri (72) of the same village.
According to sources, Golak was posted in the electric department. He along with family members resided in the village after his retirement. Meanwhile, he developed an enmity with his neighbour Harihar Swain’s family members over petty issues and scolded them using filthy language. He threatened them with dire consequences when they opposed him.
He criticised Harihar and belittled him. On the fateful day, Narayan was plucking flowers near Golak’s house. He overheard Golak scolding Harihar’s family and opposed him. Golak grew furious when Narayan sided with Harihar.
In a fit of rage, he took a sword from his house and hacked Narayan on his neck and head. Narayan fell down on the spot profusely bleeding. Meanwhile, Harihar’s daughter spotted the incident and shouted for help. Locals rushed to the spot and gathered around but in vain to save Narayan.
Golak brandished the sword and threatened to stab anyone who dared to go near Narayan. Fearing for their lives, no one dared to save Narayan who later died due to excess bleeding on the spot. Later, Golak ran inside his house and locked himself. In a fit of rage, locals pelted stones and ransacked his house.
Acting on a tip-off, police reached the village and brought the situation under control. A case of murder was registered and Golak was arrested. PNN
