Sambalpur: Woman Stabbed to Death on Busy Street; Suspected Drug Business Dispute, Police Deny Connection
Sambalpur: On Tuesday, a shocking murder occurred in broad daylight in Sambalpur city. Lalita Dehuri (35), a local woman, was stabbed in the chest by the accused, Pan Haripal, near a taxi stand. After the attack, Haripal fled the scene. According to Ranjan Biswal, the officer in charge of Town Police Station, Lalita had a previous case related to alcohol trading.
Argument Leads to Fatal Attack
Police stated that around 11:30 a.m., Lalita, who ran a tea stall near a Jhupudipada in Sahu Colony, got into a heated argument with Pan Haripal. Suddenly, Haripal pulled out a knife and attacked her. They rushed Lalita to the local hospital and later transferred her to Burla Hospital, where doctors declared her dead. The police suspect that previous enmity between Lalita and Pan may have caused the murder.
Investigation Underway
The police have not made any arrests yet. They have registered a murder case and believe the argument triggered the attack, ruling out any connection to the illegal drug trade. However, the real motive will be revealed once they catch the accused. Lalita’s husband, Jayaprakash, lives in Sahu Colony, and she leaves behind two daughters and a son.
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Suspicions of Drug Trade Connection
Sources reveal that both Lalita and Pan engaged in illegal drug activities, specifically selling the addictive cough syrup Corex. Their argument could have been related to this.
Jhupudipada turns into Drug Hub
The Jhupudipada where the murder took place has become a center for the illegal Corex trade. Residents report that not only men but also women and children participate in the business. Despite permanently stationing a police officer in the area to control the situation, authorities have been unable to stop the illegal trade.
Poverty Exploited by Drug Mafia
The residents of this Jhupudipada, mostly from scheduled castes, make their living by collecting and selling waste from various parts of the city. However, powerful drug mafias are taking advantage of their poverty, luring them with money to participate in the Corex and alcohol trade. Residents are paid a commission based on how much cough syrup they sell. Several other criminal incidents have also occurred in this area before.
