Puri, Aug 24: A chilling murder case has shocked Mandarabasta under Kanasa block in Puri district, where a tantrik was brutally killed over a dispute involving broken promises, gold treasure claims, and financial fraud.
Police have arrested three men in connection with the crime, exposing a sinister plot driven by revenge.
According to police, tantrik Parshuram had long been practicing rituals in the village, attracting locals with claims of spiritual solutions. Rajkishore Sahoo allegedly approached him to break a love affair and initially paid ₹19,000.
Later, Parshuram convinced Rajkishore that a pot containing a 170-gram gold idol of Goddess Durga and ornaments was buried in his land. Believing the claim, Rajkishore paid nearly ₹2 lakh.
However, neither the relationship ended nor the promised gold was found, and the money was not returned. Enraged, Rajkishore plotted revenge.
On August 11 night, Rajkishore, accompanied by associate Satyabrata Mallik, confronted Parshuram. Armed with chili powder, a sharp knife, and petrol, they demanded repayment.
When arguments escalated, Rajkishore attacked Parshuram with the knife. The victim's hands, legs, and torso were tied before petrol was poured over him and he was set ablaze. To disguise the crime as an accidental fire, the accused even attempted to blast a gas cylinder, police revealed.
The investigation led to the arrest of Rajkishore, his brother Suresh Sahoo, and Satyabrata Mallik of Kendrapada's Bhitarbampu area. Police seized the murder weapon, a motorcycle, and two mobile phones. All three have been produced in court.
Puri SP Prateek Singh detailed the case at a press briefing, describing it as a "barbaric and calculated act."