Cuttack, July 19: Police today began investigation into the murder of Salepur block president of the Biju Chatra Janata Dal Chitaranjan Mohanty. The Crime Branch took over the case later today.

Unidentified persons hurled crude bombs at the 32-year-old student leader last night. He died while being taken to SCB Medical College and Hospital.

Though the reason behind the murder is not clear, family members and relatives of the deceased suspected it to be a case of political rivalry, as Chitaranjan’s influence and popularity had been increasing. Chitaranjan sustained severe multiple injuries on the lower half of his body.

The incident occurred around 10.30pm when Chitaranjan was standing near his house at Rodhapur village in Salepur. “My brother had no enmity with anyone. He was quite a popular person and used to help all those who approached him. We want a probe by the crime branch,” said Lipun Mohanty.

“As I was busy preparing night meals, I asked him to wait for a few minutes. Suddenly, I heard a loud noise and ran towards our gate. Within a few seconds there were two more explosions,” said Lipun.

Chitaranjan was rushed to Salepur hospital and the doctors there said he should be moved to SCB. He died on way to the hospital in Cuttack.

Chitaranjan was appointed block president of the Biju Chatra Janata Dal in 2010. He was a former president of the Salepur College Students’ Union. Chitaranjan, who is the eldest among four brothers, married Bishnumaya Mohanty in 2009. His wife is a lecturer at a college in Berhampur.