A group of ganja smugglers allegedly thrashed a Home Guard to death near Chaulimendi under the Balimela police station in Malkangiri district on Saturday night.
According to reports, more than 100 persons disguised as kanwariyas were carrying the contraband using slings. On a tipoff, police intercepted them near Chaulimendi for search.
The accused attacked the cops, during which Home Guard Banabasi Maharana was critically injured. The miscreants fled the spot after assaulting the cops.
The victim was rescued and rushed to the Mathili Hospital, where he succumbed to his injuries on Sunday. On the other hand, the Home Guards’ Association has demanded compensation for the family of the deceased.