Bhubaneswar/Jatani: An Assistant Electrician was allegedly stabbed to death by unidentified miscreants near Khudupur Chhak on IIT Road in Jatani late Friday night, triggering panic in the area.

The deceased has been identified as Markanda Baliarsingh, a resident of Khudupur village under Jatani Tehsil in Khordha district.

According to preliminary reports, Markanda was attacked with sharp-edged weapons by a group of assailants. A police patrol vehicle spotted him lying in a pool of blood on the roadside and immediately shifted him to the Jatani Community Health Centre.

As his condition was critical, he was later referred to AIIMS Bhubaneswar, where doctors declared him dead.

Markanda was employed as an Assistant Electrician at an electricity substation in Harirajpur under Delanga in Puri district.

Police suspect that the murder may have been the result of previous enmity and appears to have been a premeditated attack. However, investigators are also examining other possible angles, including whether the crime was linked to intoxication or any other dispute.

Soon after the incident, Jatani Police reached the spot and launched an investigation. Senior police officers, including the Bhubaneswar DCP, also visited the crime scene to take stock of the situation.

The body has been sent for post-mortem examination, while efforts are underway to identify and apprehend those involved in the murder.

Police said further investigation is in progress, and the exact motive behind the killing will be established after a detailed probe.