Bhubaneswar, Dec 3: A long-standing land dispute within a family in Torihanbandha village under Balanga police limits in Puri district took a tragic turn on Tuesday evening, leaving one man dead and six people in police custody. The deceased, identified as 46-year-old Amiya Pradhan, had reportedly been embroiled in disagreements with his brothers over the division of ancestral property.

According to reports, tensions escalated earlier in the day when Amiya got into a heated altercation with Ashwini Pradhan, son of his elder brother Ajay. Although Amiya sustained minor injuries, he promptly lodged a complaint at the Balanga police station. However, the dispute reignited around 5.30 pm when Amiya was seated near the Hanuman temple along with his driver, Malay Pradhan. Ashwini arrived with his sister, Gunei, on a motorcycle, leading to a fresh confrontation during which Amiya allegedly slapped Ashwini.

Gunei’s cries for help soon attracted Ashwini’s wife, Prabhati Pradhan, relative Jitu Swain, and brother-in-law Sanjay Pradhan to the spot. In the ensuing chaos, the group reportedly attacked Amiya with sharp weapons, inflicting fatal injuries. Although Malay was threatened, he managed to flee and alert locals.

Amiya was rushed to the District Headquarters Hospital but was declared dead on arrival. Police seized the body for post-mortem and swiftly arrested six individuals involved in the assault. An investigation into the circumstances surrounding the murder is ongoing.

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