A class IX student, who was allegedly stabbed to death by four youths at Bharatpur under Khandagiri police station limits here, succumbed to his injuries on Tuesday night. The attack on Ashwini Padhi aka Badal, 14, took place on September 2.

Padhi was attacked while he was going to fetch grocery for his family. Eyewitnesses said Padhi was attacked by the miscreants, who were allegedly drug addicts, after he refused to part with his money.

However, Khandagiri police inspector Padmanabha Pradhan told The Telegraph, “It is a case of rivalry between two club members. He became its unwitting victim. We have started an inquiry and have arrested four persons.”

“More persons are likely to be arrested soon.”

Sources said that the Khandagiri area has become notorious for drug smuggling and other shady activities. Most parks in the area are frequented by drug addicts and peddlers at night. Police are likely to step up patrolling in the area.