Bhubaneswar, Mar 7: Police on Saturday arrested two persons and detained five minors in connection with the murder of a youth during Holi celebrations in Odisha’s Balasore district.

The arrested accused have been identified as Hitesh Kumar Dash alias Chotu and Sachin Gochhayat. Both were apprehended by the Balasore Town Police after an investigation into the violent incident that occurred earlier this week.

According to police, the incident took place on March 4 near the Durga Mandap area of Akatpur when locals were celebrating Holi. The accused were allegedly playing with colours and verbally abusing people in the locality.

When a youth identified as Saroj intervened and tried to stop their behaviour, the accused reportedly became furious and attacked him with a sharp weapon. Saroj suffered critical injuries during the assault. Police said the accused later attempted to destroy evidence by throwing his body into a nearby canal.

The recovery of the body triggered tension in the area, with residents demanding immediate action. On Friday, angry locals staged a road blockade to protest the incident and pressed for the arrest of those involved.

Following the protest and investigation, police arrested the two adult accused on Saturday and detained five minors allegedly linked to the crime.

Powered by Froala Editor