Balasore: Tension ran high in Odisha’s Balasore district as a 24-year-old youth was allegedly hacked to death over previous enmity, after which irate locals blocked National Highway-16 for nearly four hours on Wednesday night and demanded strict action against the accused.

The incident took place near Junabalada Chhak under Basta police limits. According to reports, the deceased, identified as Sanjit Mallick of Junabalada village, was attacked by a group of four youths with sharp weapons while he was engaged in some work.

Police said the attack was linked to a dispute over a mobile phone theft case that had occurred nearly two months ago. Following the earlier incident, both sides had reportedly signed a written settlement at the panchayat level, agreeing not to make allegations against each other.

However, the dispute resurfaced on Wednesday evening when an argument broke out between the two groups and later turned violent. Sanjit sustained grievous injuries on his neck, chest and other parts of the body during the assault.

Locals rescued the critically injured youth and rushed him to Remuna Hospital, where doctors declared him dead.

Locals managed to nab one of the accused while others fled the spot. As cops kept the accused in custody inside a police vehicle, angry locals demanded that the accused be handed over to them. They staged a road blockade at Junabalada Chhak on NH-16 by burning tyres.

The protest continued for around four hours, severely affecting traffic movement on both sides of the highway, leaving hundreds of vehicles stranded. After prolonged discussions with the protesters, the police managed to clear the blockade and restore traffic movement after 11 pm.

Police said three persons have been detained in connection with the murder case, while the prime accused, Aniket, is currently undergoing treatment at a hospital.