Dhamnagar: A family allegedly hired goons to abduct and murder its rival family at Danguapatan in Sohada panchayat under Dhamnagar block of Bhadrak district. However, the attempt was foiled by villagers who caught the goons and handed them over to the police Sunday.
A complaint was lodged with the police in this regard by Rashmita Sahu. The case was linked to a land dispute.
According to the complaint, three persons – Bhagawat Sahu, Prafulla Sahu and Sanatan Sahu – had threatened the family of Rashmita with abduction and murder about three days ago over land dispute.
Some people had abused Rashmita and her husband Jagannath Sahu Saturday night when the couple was inside their house. Unable to tolerate the abuses, Jagannath came out of the house and objected this. At this time, some people assaulted Jagannath and tried to rape Rashmita, the complaint stated.
As Rashmita raised an alarm, villagers rushed to her rescue. They chased and overpowered eight goons who were from outside the village.
The villagers later handed over the goons to Dhamnagar police. Police rescued Jagannath, who was tied to a tree.
Police said 11 people, including Bhagawat, Prafulla and Sanatan and eight from Panikoili of Jajpur district were involved in the attack.
The hired goons were identified as Chagulu Bal, Punia Munda, Mas Munda, Chem Munda, Bhajana Munda, Nanda Behera, Sushant Panda and Subash Sahu.
Police started an investigation into the incident.
PNN