Sambalpur: Two Murders Shock Sambalpur, Land Disputes Exposed as Motive, One Culprit Identified as Police Van Driver
Sambalpur: On Saturday, two alarming incidents shook the Sambalpur metropolitan region, leaving the community in shock. A young man was brutally murdered by a person in the Sadar police station area, while a sad fratricide happened in the Burla police station area. timely police intervention quickly revealed the truth behind both tragedies, resulting in the arrest of the offenders, who are now facing legal action. SP Mukesh Bhamu delivered extensive information during a press conference held at the district police headquarters.
The first event happened at Khadiapada of Kultanuapali village under Sadar police station, when Sabyasachi Sahu, commonly known as Darasingh, met a sad fate. According to SP Bhamu, the tragic conflict arose from a land dispute. Sabyasachi Sahu (46), a land merchant, was at odds with Sumanta Pradhan (41) of Kultanuapalli, a police van driver. Trouble arose when Sumanta sold a land of property to Sabyasachi for Rs 12 lakh in 2020-21 but only received Rs 8 lakh from the buyer.
Despite Sabyasachi’s partial payments totaling around Rs 3-4 thousand every time, tension escalated when Sumant asked that they meet and calculate the outstanding sum. Sabyasachi became enraged and responded saying he had taken 8 to 10 lakh in addition to 12 lakh and demanded money back or an alternative plot of property, threatening Sumanta’s family if his demands weren’t met.
Matters came to a climax on Saturday at 12:30 PM when the two met to settle their debt. Sumanta, armed with a disguised steel sheet, became enraged and attacked Sabyasachi, resulting in his death. Sabyasachi was killed instantly after being struck three times while seated on his bike. The police quickly captured Sumanta and retrieved vital evidence, including the murder weapon, both individuals’ bikes, Sumanta’s diary, mobile phone, and a blank check from Sabyasachi’s bank account.
Similarly, tragedy struck Tihikipali under Burla police station (Case No. 170/24) when two siblings’ land dispute turned tragic. Sanjay Biswal (36), a laborer in the Dhanupali district, conflicted with his elder brother, Ladabhai Bipra Biswal (48), over land ownership issues. On Saturday, tensions reached a boiling point during a confrontation in the village, leading to Bipra’s fatal assault with an iron rod by his brother. After attacking his sibling, Sanjay managed to depart the scene on his bicycle. The police responded quickly, detaining the accused and seizing critical evidence, including the murder weapon and bicycle used in the crime.
These sad tragedies serve as a clear reminder of the dangers of unresolved disagreements and the value of nonviolent conflict resolution within communities.
