Morada: A 57-year-old woman was beaten to death with a stick allegedly over a piece of betel (paan) at Tiansi village under Barakand panchayat in Mayurbhanj district, police said Sunday.
The deceased was identified as Bilasi Naik, wife of Ananta Naik, 62. Police registered a case (356/26) and launched an investigation.
According to police, Dhiren Naik, 37, of the same village, would regularly ask Ananta to serve him paan. When Ananta refused, Dhiren allegedly abused him.
The incident occurred Thursday evening when Dhiren went to Ananta’s house and again asked for the refreshment. When Ananta refused, Dhiren allegedly assaulted him with a wooden stick. Bilasi intervened in an attempt to save her husband but was also attacked, police said.
Locals rescued the couple and admitted them to a hospital in critical condition. Bilasi died while undergoing treatment Friday, while Ananta is still undergoing treatment.