Cuttack, Sept. 2: A 27-year-old autorickshaw driver was found murdered near Ghatakula in Khapuria in the wee hours today. Family members of the man alleged that Purna Chandra Mohanty had been killed over a love affair.
They suspect the role of the girl’s family in the murder.
Mohanty, who was from Puri, had been residing in the city for the past five years. The youth used to earn his living by driving an autorickshaw.
His family members alleged that the deceased had been in love with a girl. The girl, however, got married about a year back in a village near the city.
Mohanty’s mother Rajlaxmi, 59, said she and her family members had come to know about her son’s love affair last week. The girl’s brother had come to their house and asked Mohanty to stay away.
Sources said Mohanty was in touch with the girl over telephone and had also met the girl at her in-laws place recently. Speaking to reporters, Rajlaxmi said: “My son returned home around 10.30pm and went out immediately after having his dinner.”
“I had seen my son talking to two youths near our house around 11.30pm. When he did not return, I went to the local club to inquire about him. Later, his body was found behind the club,” Rajlaxmi added.
Anu Mohapatra, sister of the deceased, said: “My mother informed me about the incident around 2am. We do not know why he was killed but we suspect it has something to do with the girl’s family. Everybody in the family is completed shattered by his death.”
Police sources said the incident occurred around 12.30am today. They said that unidentified persons had attacked Mohanty with sharp weapons. He sustained severe head injuries. Four persons have been detained and are being questioned.
“A youth was allegedly murdered last night at Khapuria. A case has been registered and all angles are being probed,” said deputy commissioner of police Praveen Kumar.
Clash in Pipli
At least 10 people sustained injuries when two groups clashed following an incident of eve-teasing in Pipli on the outskirts of the city yesterday evening. People from both sides, who belong to two different communities, also lobbed bombs damaging at least 30 shops.
The two sides held a peace meeting today and decided to resolve the dispute. Following the incident, a mob blocked National Highway No. 203 for more than three hours leaving vehicles stranded. The situation became normal after armed police were deployed.
Higher officials of the police rushed to the spot and held discussions with representatives of both communities.
After holding a marathon discussion the situation was brought under control late last night. Fifteen members from both sides held a peace committee meeting today. Jabar Khan, one member of the committee, said that the meeting was successful.
“We decided not to quarrel again. If there are any differences between us, we will resolve the matter amicably through this committee,” said Khan. Police said that they were keeping a close watch on the situation.
“We are looking into the matter. We will soon arrest the culprits responsible for the clash,” said inspector-in-charge of of Pipli police station, Amulya Chamatiray.
