Tragic Incident: Man Killed Over Goat Theft Suspicion in Keonjhar

In a shocking incident in Keonjhar district, a man was brutally murdered by four individuals who suspected him of stealing goats. The victim, Bipin Bihari Naik, was attacked and left near a local school. Authorities have arrested two suspects and are searching for the others involved. This tragic event highlights the rising tensions in the area due to recent thefts. Read on to learn more about the details of this case and the ongoing investigation.

By Narendra Chaudhary Jun 15, 2025, 10:09 IST

Brutal Attack in Sankhua Village

Patana: A man was violently killed in a premeditated attack by four individuals who suspected him of stealing goats in Sankhua village, located within the Patana police jurisdiction in Keonjhar district, on Friday night.

The victim has been identified as Bipin Bihari Naik, a 46-year-old resident and son of Paramananda Naik from the same village.

The attackers abandoned his body near Sankhua High School along the Sankhua-Gorandi Jodi road before fleeing the scene.

Local residents discovered the body and promptly notified the police.

Law enforcement acted swiftly on Saturday, leading to the arrest of a couple linked to the crime.

The suspects, Debasri Patra, aged 55, and his 40-year-old wife, Beenapani Patra, were presented in court following their apprehension, according to Patana IIC Manas Kumar Mahakur.

A formal case has been initiated, and the deceased's body was returned to his family after a post-mortem examination.

Authorities have launched a manhunt for the remaining two suspects, as stated by the IIC. Reports indicate that Bipin had entered Debasri's cowshed on Friday.

Debasri became suspicious, believing Bipin intended to steal his goats, especially after a recent spate of goat thefts in the vicinity.

Debasri raised an alarm, and he, along with his wife, son, and another accomplice, apprehended Bipin and fatally assaulted him.