odisha news: Bhubaneswar, (Reporterspen), Feb 20: A Biju Janata Dal (BJD) leader has been arrested in connection with the brutal murder of a 14-year-old boy at Siba Chhak market on February 9. The accused, Kamal Mallik, who served as the vice-chairman of Jajpur block, was taken into custody on Tuesday night and remanded to judicial custody on Wednesday.
The tragic incident unfolded on the evening of February 9 when Sukadev Das, a resident of Gobindpur, visited a fast food stall in the market. A dispute broke out when Sukadev questioned the stall owner, Anil Mallik, about the delay in serving a plate of chowmein. Anil allegedly assaulted Sukadev, prompting his 14-year-old son, Santanu, to rush to the spot in his defense.
As tensions escalated, Kamal Mallik and others present at the scene allegedly attacked Santanu with lathis and iron rods. The minor sustained severe injuries and was initially taken to the district headquarters hospital before being shifted to a private hospital in Cuttack, where he succumbed to his injuries later that night.
Following the incident, the victim’s family lodged a complaint with Jajpur Sadar police, naming Kamal Mallik among the accused. The police launched an investigation, leading to Kamal’s arrest. Further inquiries into the case are underway.
