Berhampur: A 28-year-old history-sheeter was allegedly killed by one of his close associates after an argument escalated into violence at Nimakhandi near Berhampur late on Saturday night. The deceased, Tuna Nayak of Nimakhandi, was involved in at least eight criminal cases — six under Berhampur Sadar police station and two under Nimakhandi police station — including murder and attempt to murder.Raghab alias Bitu Sahu (28) of the same village, also an owner of a fast-food shop, was arrested and the knife allegedly used in the murder was seized, police said. “Police arrested the accused during vehicle checking late at night while he was trying to escape on a scooty. He was suspected because of his blood-stained clothes. During interrogation, he confessed to the murder,” said Berhampur SP Abhinav Sonkar.Though the exact motive was yet to be established, police suspected the murder may have followed sudden provocation. Police said Nayak and Sahu were friends. On Saturday evening, they consumed liquor and stayed in a room at Nimakhandi. While intoxicated, Tuna allegedly abused and slapped Sahu. Aggrieved, Sahu allegedly retrieved a knife kept in the dickey of his scooty and attacked Tuna on the neck. He died at the spot, police said.The SP (Berhampur) said two other persons were present in the room when the group consumed alcohol. Their involvement in the murder had not emerged so far, but police were investigating their role after registering a murder case at Nimakhandi police station. A forensic team and senior police officers visited the spot to assist the investigation and collect evidence.
