Murder Over Money Demand: Man Arrested for Killing Farmer with Spade in Gopalpur

News Desk, Odishabarta

Berhampur, July 9: Gopalpur Police have arrested a 35-year-old man for allegedly murdering a 60-year-old farmer following a dispute over money at Gaunj Nuasahi village in Ganjam district.

The accused, identified as Bubuna @ Sunil Kumar Majhi (35), son of Bharat Majhi, is a native of Gadasanaput village under Satyabadi Police Station in Puri district and was residing at Gaunj Nuasahi under Gopalpur Police Station limits.

The case has been registered under Section 103(1) of the Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita (BNS).

Dispute Over Blood Donation Led to Fatal Assault

According to police, the incident occurred at around 1:00 PM on July 8, when the deceased, Shri Saita Das (60), son of Late Bira Das of Gaunj Nuasahi, was returning home from his agricultural field.

When he reached near a rest shed close to the Gaunj Panchayat Office, the accused allegedly stopped him and demanded money, claiming he had donated blood about a month ago to the deceased’s daughter, Santoshi Das, during her illness.

Police said Saita Das assured the accused that he would pay the amount after reaching home. Enraged by the response, Bubuna allegedly attacked him with an iron spade (Phauda), striking him and causing him to collapse unconscious on the spot.

Victim Succumbed During Treatment

Hearing the commotion, local residents rushed to the spot and alerted the victim’s family members. Saita Das was immediately shifted to MKCG Medical College and Hospital, Berhampur, where he later succumbed to his injuries while undergoing treatment.

Case Registered on Daughter-in-law’s Complaint

Based on a written complaint lodged by Smt. Mira Das (32), wife of Mithun Das of Gaunj Nuasahi, Gopalpur Police registered a case and launched an investigation.

Accused Arrested; Weapon Seized

During the investigation, police found prima facie evidence against the accused and arrested Bubuna @ Sunil Kumar Majhi at around 2:00 AM on July 9 after following all prescribed legal procedures and the guidelines of the Hon’ble Supreme Court of India.

Police also seized the iron spade (Phauda) with a wooden handle, allegedly used in the commission of the crime.

The accused was informed of the grounds of arrest in writing in the Odia language and was produced before the competent court on Thursday.

Police said the investigation is continuing to ascertain all aspects of the case.