Balangir, Aug 27: A 13-year-old boy was stabbed to death by another minor following a quarrel during a card game at Roth village under Agalpur police station limits in Balangir district, triggering tension in the area.
According to an eyewitness and a friend of the deceased, Sahil Patel, 13, and another minor got into an argument while joking and playing.
The quarrel reportedly escalated into a physical altercation. The accused minor then allegedly ran home, brought a knife and returned to the spot. He allegedly attacked Sahil in the chest before people could stop him.
Sahil was rushed to Agalpur CHC, where doctors declared him dead.
Following the incident, relatives and locals gathered at Agalpur police station and expressed anger over the killing.
Eyewitness Chandan Patel said, "After a verbal altercation, a fist fight took place between the two kids. Sahil overpowered the other boy. Afterwards, in order to take revenge, the boy ran home, brought a knife and attacked Sahil."
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Sahil's father alleged that the accused minor was under the influence of drugs when the incident took place.
Locals also alleged that the use and sale of intoxicants, including cough syrup containing codeine, had increased in Roth village and claimed that minors were also consuming such substances.
Police have detained the accused minor.
Police are investigating the circumstances surrounding the killing, including the allegations of substance use. The exact motive behind the attack has not yet been officially established.