Ganjam: A 32-year-old man was allegedly beaten to death near Malagudia Chhak under the jurisdiction of Balichhai outpost and Kabisuryanagar police station in Odisha’s Ganjam district. The incident has triggered tension in the locality during the ongoing festive season.

The deceased has been identified as Narayan Pradhan of Dunguri village. According to preliminary police findings, he was allegedly attacked by his friends. Two suspects have been detained for questioning, and further investigation is underway to establish the motive behind the murder.

According to reports, Narayan was at home on Thursday when he received a phone call and subsequently left the house. A few hours later, he reportedly contacted his family and informed them that he was out with his friends. However, he did not return home that night.

On Friday morning, some locals spotted Narayan lying in a pool of blood beside the road near Malagudia Chhak and alerted the police. The police reached the spot and informed his family about the incident.

Narayan's family has alleged that some youths took him away from home and subsequently killed him. Preliminary findings suggest that he was brutally assaulted with wooden planks and liquor bottles, said Ganjam Superintendent of Police (SP) Harisha B.C.

Police suspect that two of Narayan's friends from the Chhatrapur area and another local acquaintance may have been involved in the incident. Two persons have been detained, while investigators are working to establish the circumstances that led to the killing.

The SP visited the crime scene and reviewed the investigation. A scientific team also examined the spot and collected evidence, including blood samples, footwear and liquor bottles, for forensic analysis.

The body has been recovered and sent for post-mortem examination.

The exact motive behind the murder remains unclear. Police said further details would emerge as the investigation progresses.