Pipili: An alleged murder linked to a suspected idol-smuggling deal has come to light in Alasankha village under Ramachandi police limits in Gop block of Puri district, with the family of the deceased alleging that the killing was passed off as a road accident.

According to the allegations, the incident took place on March 19, 2026, at around 11 pm. A group of people was allegedly negotiating the sale of a golden idol of Lakshmi Narayan, reportedly stolen from a temple, when local resident Alok Bhoi secretly recorded a video of the alleged deal.

The incident reportedly came to light when a goldsmith allegedly involved in the transaction noticed Alok recording the proceedings and alerted the others. Three persons allegedly attempted to catch him, but Alok managed to escape and fled on a motorcycle with the help of his associate Rashmiranjan Kandi.

Alok reportedly sent the video of the alleged deal to his mother, Reena Bhoi’s mobile phone. Subsequently, the two were allegedly attacked by persons involved in the deal.

The attackers reportedly left the spot believing that both Alok and Rashmiranjan had died. While Alok died, Rashmiranjan reportedly survived the attack and regained consciousness later.

Alok’s mother, Reena Bhoi, has alleged that she approached Ramachandi police station to lodge a complaint but that her complaint was not accepted. She further alleged that another person from the village subsequently lodged a complaint portraying the incident as an accident.

The allegations have raised questions among Alok’s family members regarding the handling of the case by the police. They have been seeking a proper investigation into the circumstances surrounding his death and the alleged idol-smuggling angle.

Nearly five months after the incident, Reena Bhoi approached the All India Mulniwasi Sangh, seeking justice for her son. Following her complaint, the organisation held a press conference on the matter on Thursday under the leadership of its president Bijay Sethi.

The family and the organisation have demanded a thorough investigation into the alleged murder, the suspected idol-smuggling deal and the circumstances under which the case was initially reported.

The allegations are yet to be independently established, and further investigation by the police is expected to determine the circumstances surrounding Alok’s death and whether the alleged idol-smuggling connection has any basis.