Kendrapara, (Reporterspen), April 19: In a disturbing incident today, a youth was allegedly stabbed 16 times by another youth after a dispute over betel (Pan) at Balarampur locality under Town police limits in Kendrapara district. Tragically, the victim succumbed to his injuries while undergoing treatment.
The deceased, identified as Akshaya Kumar Khatua (35), hailed from Saranga village of Ostapur panchayat under Sadar police limits in the district and worked as an air conditioner mechanic. The accused, Aditya Prasad Behera, is the son of Adikanda Behera from Chandia Palei village of Kansar panchayat.
According to sources, the altercation began when Akshaya, who had just returned from work, was preparing betels for himself at a roadside betel shop near a Hanuman temple in the locality. When asked by Aditya for betel, Akshaya refused, citing unfamiliarity with the accused.
A heated argument ensued over the trivial matter, escalating when Aditya allegedly attacked Akshaya with a knife in a fit of rage, resulting in his tragic demise.
Local residents intervened, rushing Akshaya to the district headquarters hospital (DHH) in Kendrapara town, where despite efforts, he passed away from his injuries.
