Baripada: A dispute reportedly over paan (betel leaves) turned fatal after a 57-year-old woman was allegedly beaten to death in Mayurbhanj district, police said.

The incident took place in Tiansi village under the Morada police station limits.

According to reports, the accused, identified as 37-year-old Dhiren Naik of the village, allegedly used to regularly ask 62-year-old Anta Naik for betel leaves. When Anta refused, Dhiren allegedly abused and threatened him.

On Thursday evening, Dhiren reportedly went to Anta’s house and again asked for betel leaves. When Anta refused, an argument broke out. Dhiren allegedly became enraged and attacked Anta with a stick.

When Anta’s wife, Bilasi Naik, intervened to stop the assault, Dhiren allegedly turned on her and repeatedly hit her with the stick, leaving her critically injured.

Locals rescued the couple and rushed them to the Pandit Raghunath Murmu (PRM) Medical College and Hospital in Baripada for treatment.

However, Bilasi succumbed to her injuries today while undergoing treatment. Anta reportedly suffered a fractured hand in the assault and remains under treatment.

Following Bilasi’s death, Morada police registered a murder case under Case No. 356. Police seized the body and sent it for post-mortem examination.

Morada police station officer Sumit Kumar Soren, who is investigating the case, said a scientific team and police personnel visited the crime scene and conducted an on-site investigation. The stick allegedly used in the attack was also seized.

The accused, Dhiren Naik, is reportedly absconding. Police have launched a search to trace and arrest him, while further investigation is underway.