Former sarpanch killed in Odisha

Keonjhar: A former sarpanch was killed in a dispute over excavation of sand from the river bed in Odisha's Keonjhar district Monday, police sources said.

Former sarpanch of Samana gram panchayat, Baishan Charan Biswal, was hacked to death by a group, at Hatadihi under Nandipada police station, Superintendent of Police, Asis Singh said.

The killing led to a road blockade and violence with Biswal's supporters setting ablaze a mobile tower and a few motorbikes as shops and business establishments downed shutters.

Senior officials rushed to the spot and the armed police were deployed in the town, the sources said.

PTI