Police have arrested five persons, including a minor, in connection with the murder of a youth, Sanjib Pradhan, during the Ravana Podi event at Sohela Market in the district on October 8.
The arrestees were identified as Sumanta Suna, Naresh Podha, Sanjeev Kumbhar, Sanay Kumbar and a minor from Kumbhara Bandhapada.
Reports said the deceased Sanjib Pradhan of Sareipali area of Chhattisgarh along with four persons, Pradeep Tarai, Khirod Bhoi, Daktar Bhoi and Bidyadhar Tarai of Badipali area of Bargarh district had a brawl while buying liquor from Kumbharabandhapada village on the fateful day.
The argument between two groups soon took a violent turn and Pradhan was allegedly hacked to death with a sharp weapon by the accused, sources said.
All four from Badipali area, who sustained critical injuries in the clash, were rushed to the District Headquarters Hospital. As Bidyadhar’s condition worsened, he was subsequently shifted to the VIMSAR in Burla while other three were discharged from the hospital.