Brahmapur: Two 17-year-old boys were detained in Odisha’s Ganjam district for allegedly murdering a youth following an altercation over a request for matchsticks to light a cigarette, police said Monday.
Ayushman Tripathy alias Suman, 18, was allegedly assaulted by the two boys September 14 after he approached them, seeking matches to light a cigarette. When they refused, an argument broke out, which later escalated into the assault, they said.
Tripathy sustained severe injuries and was found lying unconscious on the road by police on patrol duty. He was rushed to MKCG Medical College and Hospital, where he succumbed to the injuries during treatment on the night of September 19, they said.
A case was registered at Bada Bazar police station September 16, following a complaint by the victim’s family. It was subsequently converted into a murder case after his death, police said.
According to preliminary investigation, the victim was punched and kicked by the two teenagers before he collapsed. Based on local intelligence, spot verification and witness statements, police said they ascertained the involvement of the two boys.
Berhampur SP Sarvana Vivek M said the victim died from injuries sustained in the assault. During the investigation, it also emerged that Tripathy had Wilson’s disease, a rare genetic disorder that can affect the liver and blood clotting.
One of the juveniles was apprehended on September 17, while the other was held Monday and produced before the Juvenile Justice Board (JJB), the SP said.
