A youth was arrested for allegedly hacking his aunt’s sister to death after entering her house late on Friday night in the Shankareswar area under Kakatpur police limits in Puri district.

The deceased has been identified as Lili Priya Behera. The accused, Smruti Ranjan Swain, is a resident of Beguniabasta village under the Astaranga area.

According to reports, Smruti Ranjan allegedly entered the victim’s house during the night and attacked her with a sharp weapon under circumstances that are still unclear.

Family members found victim in pool of blood

Family members reportedly discovered Lili Priya lying critically injured inside the house after the attack and immediately raised an alarm. Locals gathered at the spot after news of the incident spread, and police were informed soon after.

Despite efforts, the woman succumbed to her injuries following the brutal assault.

The incident created panic in the locality, with shocked residents crowding near the house late into the night as police reached the spot and initiated an investigation.

Accused found unconscious near canal

During a search operation launched after the murder, police recovered the accused Smruti Ranjan Swain in an unconscious condition from beneath a canal bridge, located around 50 metres from the crime scene.

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He was later taken into custody and shifted for medical treatment before being formally arrested in connection with the murder case.

Police have launched a detailed investigation to determine the exact motive behind the killing and the sequence of events leading up to the attack. Further details are awaited.