Bhubaneswar, June 8: A shocking double murder has sent shockwaves through Giripali Khadiapada area under the jurisdiction of Sambalpur Sadar police station, where a woman and her daughter were allegedly hacked to death with an axe while they were asleep outside their home.

The deceased have been identified as Urkuli Patra and her daughter Lilima Joda. According to preliminary reports, the mother-daughter duo was sleeping in the open courtyard of their residence on Sunday night when an unidentified assailant attacked them with a sharp weapon.

Police said the attacker allegedly struck both women with an axe, causing fatal injuries. The victims died on the spot before any medical assistance could be provided. The brutal nature of the crime has created panic and fear among residents of the locality.

Investigators suspect the murders may be linked to allegations of sorcery, a motive that is currently being examined as part of the probe. Acting on initial leads, police have detained a youth from the neighbourhood for questioning. His role in the incident is being investigated, and officials are interrogating him to ascertain the circumstances that led to the killings.

Sources said Lilima Joda continued to stay at her parental home even after her marriage. Police are also looking into the victims’ personal and social relationships to determine whether any prior dispute may have contributed to the crime.

Upon receiving information, Sambalpur Sadar police rushed to the spot, recovered the bodies and launched a detailed investigation. Forensic evidence is being collected, and further details are awaited as the probe progresses.

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