Nayagarh, May 11: Nayagarh district has been rocked by two brutal murders within a span of 24 hours, leaving residents in shock and raising serious concerns about law and order in the region.

The incidents, reported from Odagaon and Gania police station limits, have prompted swift police action and intensified investigations.

The latest case emerged near Balisahi village under Gania police station, where locals discovered the half-burnt body of an unidentified youth lying by the roadside.

Also read: Youth Chopped to Death in Odagaon AfterObjecting to Illegal Stone Smuggling

Police suspect that the victim was murdered and later set ablaze in an attempt to destroy evidence. According to the police, a tattoo on the victim’s left hand bearing the name “Sanjay” may provide crucial leads in establishing his identity.

Scientific teams, along with sniffer dogs, have been deployed to gather forensic evidence. The body has been sent for post-mortem, and police officials have assured that the truth will be uncovered once investigations progress.

On Sunday, Odagaon witnessed a gruesome killing. Ajit Sahu, a young man from Shilpi Nagar area, was brutally attacked by a group of six to seven assailants near the Kadalibandh square.

Reports suggest that Ajit and his associate Santosh Kumar Pradhan had opposed illegal stone quarry operations in the area. This confrontation allegedly led to Ajit being overpowered and hacked to death in a barbaric manner. Santosh managed to escape and immediately alerted Odagaon police.

Police teams, accompanied by scientific experts, reached the crime scene early Monday morning. Ajit’s body was sent for autopsy, while raids were launched to nab the culprits. Four suspects were initially detained for questioning.

Odagaon Case Update

Two more main accused, who allegedly attacked of Ajit Sahu with a sword, have been apprehended on Monday in connection with the brutal murder case (Odagaon PS Case No. 123/2026 U/s 103(1)/3(5) BNS).

With this development, four accused are now in police custody in connection with the case. Intensive interrogation is underway to determine each individual’s role and to identify any other persons involved.

Furthermore, raids are actively underway to apprehend the remaining absconding accused. Investigators are meticulously gathering scientific and digital evidence to build a watertight case.

In parallel, stringent measures are being enforced against illegal stone quarry operations and the criminal syndicates associated with them, in close coordination with the Revenue and Mining departments.

“The law and order situation in the district remains stable and is being continuously monitored to maintain public confidence and security,” said the Nayagarh police.