A 37-year-old man was allegedly lynched on Saturday in Odisha’s Ganjam district on suspicion of theft, according to police.
The violent incident unfolded in Sardula village under the Bhanjanagar police station limits of the district.
The deceased has been identified as Banadhar Pradhan, a resident of Kurumingia under the G. Udayagiri police limits in Kandhamal district. After being attacked by a group of Sardula villagers, he was transported to a medical facility where he was declared dead, police said.
“Pradhan was rescued early Saturday and rushed to the sub-divisional hospital in Bhanjanagar, where doctors declared him brought dead,” additional SP Ranjan Kumar Dey said.
Police said Pradhan and his two accomplices were allegedly involved in looting a locked residence of a local man named Sushant Gouda. While attempting to flee the scene, Pradhan reportedly fell and broke his leg, at which point villagers captured him, tied him to an electric pole, and assaulted him.
Police said an investigation is underway to establish the motive behind the killing, said Deepak Mishra, sub-divisional police officer, Bhanjanagar.
Police have arrested 20 people in this connection.
Police have several items from the accused, including the deceased’s mobile phone, as well as the iron rods and ropes allegedly used to restrain and attack him.
Jeebanananda Jena, inspector-in-charge, Bhanjanagr police station, said many villagers fled fearing police action, prompting heavy deployment of forces. A forensic team has been engaged to assist in the investigation.
Gouda, in a police complaint, said gold jewellery and around 20 new sarees were looted from his house.
