Bhubaneswar: A murder in an abandoned building popularly known as the ‘Haunted House’ in Paikarapur under Chandaka police station limits has created a sensation in the capital city.

The Chandaka police have arrested accused Braja Kishore Bhoi alias Bapi in connection with the murder of Mahani Das. The accused was arrested on Friday and subsequently forwarded to court, police said.

According to the complaint lodged by the deceased’s wife, Kabita Das, the incident took place on August 1 at the abandoned building in Paikarapur, which is locally known as the ‘Haunted House’.

The accused allegedly attacked Mahani Das with a bamboo stick following an argument over a sleeping arrangement. Bapi allegedly abused the victim and attacked him, while two others, Bishnu Behera and Balaram Bhoi, were also reportedly injured in the assault.

Mahani Das was allegedly sleeping when the accused struck him on the head with a bamboo stick, causing serious injuries.

After the assault, the accused allegedly attempted to conceal the crime by claiming that Mahani Das had fallen from the rooftop. He reportedly took the injured man to hospital and allegedly told doctors that the injuries had resulted from a fall from the roof.

The alleged murder mystery came to light after eyewitness accounts contradicted the version given by the accused. Mahani Das was initially treated at Bhubaneswar AIIMS and was later shifted to SCB Medical College and Hospital in Kataka city, where he died while undergoing treatment.

Police subsequently questioned the accused. During interrogation, Bapi allegedly confessed to the crime, according to the information provided.

The Chandaka police have continued their investigation to establish the sequence of events and gather further evidence in the case.