Puri, Aug 22: A 21-year-old youth was stabbed to death over a suspected financial dispute near Hotel Sterling under the jurisdiction of Baliapanda Police Station in Puri.

The deceased has been identified as Rajesh Ojha, resident of Thanapati area.

According to preliminary investigation, the murder may have stemmed from a personal dispute over unpaid dues.

A few days ago Rajesh had accompanied his friend to Kolkata for work prior to the Rath Yatra festival, but the friend reportedly failed to pay him the promised amount. This might led to growing tension between the two.

On being informed, City DSP, Baliapanda Police, and a scientific team rushed to the scene and began a detailed investigation. It remains unclear whether Rajesh was murdered at the location or his body was dumped there.

Later, the body was seized and sent to a local hospital for post-mortem.

Police have registered a case and further investigation into the incident is underway to uncover the circumstances surrounding the death of the youth.