Balasore, May 5: Balasore district has been shaken by a shocking incident of violence linked to a love affair. A young man was allegedly beaten to death by the family members of his lover in Simulia police limits.

The victim, identified as Subas Sutar of Purushottampur village under Balikhanda panchayat, had been in a relationship for over five years with a young woman from Biribrahmapur under Kanchapada panchayat.

However, her family strongly opposed the relationship, citing social differences. Despite repeated village meetings to resolve the matter, the couple continued their association, which enraged the girl’s family.

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On Monday, the girl’s father and his nephew reportedly came to Subas’ house, assaulted him, and forcibly took him away on a motorcycle. He was then tied to a pole at an Anganwadi centre and mercilessly beaten, leaving him critically injured.

Initially rushed to Simulia Medical, he was later shifted to Bhadrak District Headquarters Hospital, where doctors declared him dead.

Following the incident, Subas’ brother-in-law lodged a written complaint at Simulia police station, naming the girl’s father and nephew as prime accused.

Police have detained the nephew while the father remains absconding.

Disturbing photos and videos of Subas tied and beaten have gone viral on mobile phones, sparking outrage in the locality.

The victim’s mother, Rambhamani, who lost her husband six months ago, is devastated as Subas was her only son. She alleged that her son was killed because of caste differences, as the girl’s family opposed the relationship citing their Brahmin background. She has demanded a thorough investigation and strict action against those responsible.

Police have launched a probe into the case, while the community mourns the tragic loss of a young life cut short by violence rooted in social prejudice and opposition to love.