In a shocking incident that underscores the violent influence of the drug mafia on the outskirts of Odisha’s capital, a 45-year-old man was brutally beaten to death with iron rods in a public square on Friday afternoon.
The victim, Rakesh Das, from Athantar Mohanty Sahi, died from severe head and body injuries while receiving treatment at Capital Hospital, Bhubaneswar. The attack, allegedly executed by two known criminals heavily involved in the narcotics trade, occurred at Athantar Chhak within the jurisdiction of Balipatna police station.
According to police and eyewitnesses, the murder was rooted in a long-standing dispute over money and drugs. The primary suspect, Salman Khan alias Pintu, son of Zakir Khan from Bengabati village, along with his associate Zakir Saha, has been reportedly operating a drug powder racket in the area for several years. Residents claim that the duo has operated with little fear of law enforcement, occasionally being ‘arrested’ in staged police operations only to quickly resume their activities.
On Friday morning, around 11 AM, Pintu and Saha allegedly visited Rakesh’s home, threatened his mother, and demanded ₹10,000 plus the return of narcotics. Later that day, they encountered Rakesh near the local medical square, forcibly took him to Athantar Chhak, and assaulted him brutally. When bystanders attempted to intervene, the assailants allegedly threatened them and fled the scene. They returned around 3 PM when the area was less crowded, knocked Rakesh down, and unleashed a vicious attack with iron rods, demanding money.
Rakesh sustained critical injuries to his head and other parts of his body. Family members rushed him to Athantar Community Health Centre, where doctors referred him to Capital Hospital. He was transported by 108 ambulance but succumbed to his injuries during treatment.
Balipatna police, under Inspector-in-Charge Suryanshu Sekhar Padhi, acted swiftly. The main suspect, Salman Khan alias Pintu, has already been apprehended. The body will be released to the family after a post-mortem examination on Saturday.
This marks the second brutal murder reported in the Jayadev Assembly constituency within a 24-hour period. A similarly horrific killing occurred near Ramachandrapur under the Balianta police station the previous day, causing alarm throughout the region.
The incident has sparked widespread outrage, with community members calling for a crackdown on the narcotics syndicate operating in the twin districts adjacent to Bhubaneswar.
As fear permeates the area, concerns are being raised about the ongoing drug crisis and its impact on the safety of the once-peaceful suburban community.
