Bhubaneswar: A former MLA candidate, who was on Monday night brutally attacked by unidentified miscreants allegedly over political rivalry, died on Tuesday.
According to reports, some miscreants called the victim Ramachandra Behera, ex-chairman of Anandpur block, from his residence at Dharakote post midnight on Monday and attacked him with sharp weapons before fleeing the spot.
Locals rescued him and admitted him to a hospital in Anandpur in critical condition. However, he died while being shifted to SCB Medical College and Hospital in Cuttack.
As per latest reports, four persons were arrested in connection with the incident this morning though police did not divulge any further details.
The four accused were being interrogated and investigation of the murder case is underway, sources added.
Meanwhile, irate locals took to streets and staged a road blockade on National Highway 20 demanding stern action against the culprits. To avoid any untoward incident, police personnel were deployed at the spot till last reports came in.
Relatives of the victim alleged that some people patronized by BJD muscleman and Odisha minister Badrinarayan Patra “engineered” the murder of Ramchandra as he was trying to get party ticket for the ensuing Assembly elections in the state.
“Ramachandra Behera was trying to get BJD ticket. Apprehending that he would be deprived of the ticket this time due to growing popularity of Ramachandra, he engineered this brutal murder,” said the family members of the victim.
The minister Mr Patra, however, refuted the charge and said he had no role in the murder.
“I condemn the ghastly act and also welcome any kind of probe into the murder. My rivals are vainly trying to drag me into controversy to sabotage my political career,” said the minister.
