In a shocking incident rooted in a domestic dispute, three individuals were arrested on Saturday in connection with the murder of 26-year-old Ranjita Kandhagiri in Karada village, located in Rayagada district, Odisha.
According to the police, the murder occurred on Thursday and was allegedly driven by anger over an extramarital affair. Ranjita was brutally attacked with a wooden plank, leaving her critically injured. Despite being rushed to a local hospital in Ramanaguda and then referred to facilities in Gunupur and Paralakhemundi, she tragically died en route to Berhampur for further treatment.
Police arrested Madhab Patika, his mother Dukhhi Patika, and his brother-in-law Damba Kadraka, all residents of Rajvikrampur village. The trio has been booked for murder and was produced in court on Saturday.
Sunita Behera, Inspector-in-Charge of Ramanaguda Police Station, stated that the murder was the result of a dispute involving Akshaya Patika, a married man from Bhangi Chhaka village, who was allegedly in a relationship with Ranjita Kandhagiri.
“Akshaya had married a woman from Rajvikrampur. When his wife discovered his affair with Ranjita, she informed her family. Enraged by the revelation, Akshaya’s elder brother, mother, and brother-in-law confronted and assaulted Ranjita, leading to her death,” Behera explained.
The case has sparked concern over violence stemming from family disputes and relationship conflicts in rural areas. Police continue to investigate and are monitoring the situation for any further developments.
