Street Vendor Found Murdered in Sambalpur Forest Area
In a tragic incident, the body of a street vendor was discovered on the Domuhani forest road near Khadiapali village in Sambalpur district on Wednesday. The victim has been identified as Jagannath Palai, a 36-year-old resident of Khadiapali. According to police officials, the murder was the result of a long-standing personal enmity between Palai and another individual.
Details of the Fatal Altercation
Pradeep Dash, the Kuchinda sub-divisional police officer, provided insights into the events leading to the murder. Jagannath Palai had ventured out on Tuesday to sell snacks in nearby villages as part of his daily routine. While returning home in the evening, he allegedly encountered Rohit Behera, with whom he had a history of rivalry and conflict.
The roots of this enmity trace back approximately five years ago when a dispute between the two men escalated into violence. During that altercation, Jagannath Palai had allegedly assaulted Rohit Behera, resulting in a fracture to Behera's hand. This incident left deep-seated resentment, which ultimately culminated in the fatal attack.
Murder on a Deserted Stretch
The murder occurred on a secluded stretch near the outskirts of Khadiapali village. Given that it was already evening and the area was isolated, the crime initially went unnoticed. When Jagannath Palai failed to return home, his concerned family members initiated a search operation.
On Wednesday, they discovered his bicycle and his blood-soaked body at the scene. The Kuchinda police were promptly informed and reached the spot to recover the body and launch a thorough investigation. A forensic team also visited the location to conduct further examinations and gather evidence.
Arrest and Confession
During police interrogation, Rohit Behera allegedly confessed to committing the murder. He reportedly attacked Jagannath Palai with a wooden stick, striking him on the head and causing fatal injuries on the spot. Following his confession, Behera was arrested on murder charges.
He was subsequently produced before a local court, which remanded him to judicial custody on Wednesday. The police are continuing their investigation to uncover any additional details or motives related to the case.
This incident has sent shockwaves through the local community, highlighting the dangers of unresolved personal conflicts. Authorities are urging residents to resolve disputes through legal channels to prevent such tragic outcomes in the future.
