Berhampur (Odisha), February 14 A man was allegedly lynched on suspicion of theft in Odisha's Ganjam district on Saturday, police said.
The incident took place in the Sardula village, which falls under the Bhanjanagar police station area of the district.
The deceased, identified as 37-year-old Banadhar Pradhan, a resident of Kurumingia in the G. Udayagiri police station limits of Kandhamal district, was attacked by residents of Sardula village. He was declared dead at a hospital, police said.
"Pradhan was rescued early Saturday and rushed to the sub-divisional hospital in Bhanjanagar, where doctors declared him dead," said additional SP Ranjan Kumar Dey.
Police said Pradhan, along with two others, was allegedly involved in looting the house of resident Sushant Gouda. While fleeing, Pradhan fell and broke his leg, after which villagers tied him to an electric pole and assaulted him.
Police said that an investigation is underway to determine the motive behind the killing. Deepak Mishra, sub-divisional police officer, Bhanjanagar, said that the investigation is ongoing.
Police have arrested 20 people in connection with the incident.
The mobile phone of the deceased, iron rods, and ropes, which were used to tie his hands, have been seized from the accused, police added.
Jeebanananda Jena, inspector-in-charge, Bhanjanagr police station, said that many villagers fled fearing police action, prompting a heavy deployment of forces. A forensic team has been engaged to assist in the investigation.
Gouda, in a police complaint, said that gold jewellery and around 20 new sarees were looted from his house.
