Kendujhar: A ward member allegedly died after being assaulted by one of his friends following a drunken brawl in Kendujhar district.

The deceased has been identified as Manoj Kumar Nayak, popularly known as Nalu, ward member of Ward No. 3 under Revanapalaspal Gram Panchayat in Harichandanpur block.

According to reports, Manoj was sitting with several friends and consuming alcohol on Saturday evening. A heated argument reportedly broke out among them after some time. During the altercation, one of the men allegedly kicked Manoj in the chest, following which he became seriously ill.

Manoj was initially taken to the Revanapalaspal Community Health Centre for treatment. He was later shifted to the Harichandanpur Community Health Centre. However, doctors reportedly declared him dead before treatment could begin.

Following the incident, Manoj's family lodged a written complaint at Daitari police station, alleging that he had been beaten to death.

Police seized the body and sent it to the Anandapur Sub-Divisional Hospital for post-mortem examination. After the autopsy, the body was handed over to the family.

Daitari police station officer-in-charge Hrushikesh Behera said that a murder case had been registered based on the complaint and an investigation was underway.

The incident has triggered tension and shock in the local area. Police are investigating the circumstances surrounding the death and the alleged involvement of Manoj's friends.