Property Dispute Turns Fatal in Keonjhar Village
In a tragic escalation of a long-standing family feud, three members of a family were brutally murdered in Keonjhar district on Sunday evening. The incident, which has sent shockwaves through the community, occurred at Nialijharan village and stemmed from a bitter property dispute that had been simmering for years between two branches of the same family.
Victims and Accused Identified
The victims have been identified as Jitendra Soren, 45, his wife Malati Soren, 35, and their 15-year-old daughter Sasmita Soren. Police have arrested three relatives in connection with the gruesome murders: Laxman Soren, 36 (Jitendra's brother), Baidyanath Soren, 50, and Baidyanath's son Sudam, 24.
Sequence of the Tragic Events
According to police sources, the confrontation turned violent on Sunday evening when Jitendra's two younger daughters returned home after collecting firewood. They witnessed Baidyanath and Sudam arguing with their father over the disputed land. The argument quickly escalated into a physical altercation.
The assailants allegedly attacked Jitendra with an axe. When young Sasmita attempted to intervene and save her father, she too was brutally attacked. Malati, who tried to protect her family, met the same fate. All three victims died on the spot from their injuries.
"The younger daughters survived the assault, as did the eldest daughter who had returned home for the Makar Sankranti festival," police sources revealed. Jitendra, who worked as a driver, is survived by three daughters and a son.
Police Investigation and Arrests
Upon receiving information about the incident, Anandapur sub-divisional police officer (SDPO) Kamal Panda along with Ghasipura police personnel rushed to the scene. They recovered the bodies and initiated an investigation.
Laxman Soren was the first to be arrested in connection with the murders, followed by Baidyanath and Sudam. On Monday, a forensic team from Keonjhar visited the village to collect evidence and document the crime scene.
The bodies were sent to Anandapur sub-divisional hospital for autopsy before being handed over to the grieving family members.
Official Statements and Legal Proceedings
Kishor Chandra Pradhan, IIC of Ghasipura police station, stated: "A crime scene reconstruction was conducted to understand how the murders unfolded. The accused will be forwarded to court after completion of the necessary formalities."
The police investigation continues as authorities work to build a strong case against the accused. The incident highlights how longstanding family disputes over property can sometimes turn deadly, with devastating consequences for entire families and communities.
