Man killed over drug peddling; 1 arrested

Sambalpur: A 25-year-old man was stabbed to death in Sambalpur Wednesday in what police said was a fallout of the local drug trade. The victim was identified as Mohammad Rinku, alias Madua and Chhotu, of Gualapada in Motijharan area. He was attacked near Babu liquor shop in Bhutapada, Orampada, under Dhanupali police limits. He was rushed to the district headquarters hospital where doctors pronounced him dead.

Police registered a case (307/2025) and launched an investigation. Dhanupali police launched raids and arrested the accused, identified as Kalia Kalet, 30, of Bank Colony near Sambalpur court. Kalia was produced in the court that sent him to Sambalpur Circle Jail. Rinku was attacked with a sharp weapon when he had gone near the liquor shop on some work Wednesday morning. His brother, Mohammad Saif, filed a complaint with Dhanupali police alleging that Rinku and Kalia had an altercation four days back.

The duo again had a face-off when Kalia threatened to kill Rinku Tuesday before carrying out the attack Wednesday. Police said Rinku was a history-sheeter. Preliminary investigation suggests Kalia killed him after a dispute over money, possibly linked to drug trade.

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