Balasore, May 10: Tension prevailed outside Khaira Police Station in Odisha's Balasore district after family members of a married youth staged a dharna with his body, alleging that he was murdered and demanding strict action against those responsible.

The deceased has been identified as Hemanta Barik, son of Sanatan Barik from Kendubhadali village under Sarkona panchayat in Khaira Police Station limits.

According to a source, locals spotted Hemanta’s body hanging from a tree near the Sohalabhauni dam area under Fatepur panchayat in Oupada Police Station limits on Saturday and informed police.

Police reached the spot, recovered the body and later informed the family members.

The family subsequently lodged a written complaint at Oupada Police Station alleging that Hemanta had been murdered.

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As per the complaint, Hemanta had been facing marital disputes with his wife for the past several months, leading to differences between the couple.

Family members alleged that four persons supported by his in-laws had allegedly been exerting mental pressure on Hemanta and demanding money from him.

The family further claimed that Hemanta had earlier lodged a complaint at Khaira Police Station against the accused persons and had also uploaded a video on social media.

In the video, Hemanta allegedly named the persons who, according to him, were mentally harassing him and stated that they should be held responsible if anything happened to him.

Demanding a proper investigation and punishment for the accused, the family members placed Hemanta’s body in front of Khaira Police Station and staged a protest seeking justice.