Balangir: Police have taken a man into custody for allegedly murdering his sister-in-law in Chitramunda village under Muribahal police station limits in the Balangir district.

The accused, identified as Bhojaraj Sahu, is being interrogated in connection with the death of Ranju Sahu.

According to preliminary reports, the incident occurred on the night of May 2. Ranju, whose husband had migrated out of state for work, was living alone. Investigators suspect Bhojaraj, the elder brother of her husband, had developed an illicit relationship with her during this period.

Tensions reportedly escalated when another youth from a neighbouring village entered Ranju's life. Police believe Bhojaraj opposed her association with the man, leading to conflict that may have culminated in the murder.

The accused was taken into custody on Tuesday and is expected to be produced in court. Police are piecing together the sequence of events to establish motive and confirm how the crime unfolded.