A family dispute took a violent turn on Tuesday after a man was allegedly tied up and brutally assaulted at his in-laws’ house in Sekpur area under Pattamundai Police Station limits in Kendrapara.

The injured man, identified as Sudarshan Sethi of Aul under Mahakalapada police limits, was initially admitted to Pattamundai hospital and later shifted to a hospital in Cuttack after his condition became critical.

According to police sources, Sudarshan had married Purnima Sethi of Sekpur-Bandhasahi village in a love marriage around three years ago. However, differences reportedly emerged between the couple after a year of marriage, leading to frequent disputes.

Four days ago, following another quarrel between the couple, Purnima returned to her parental home. On Sunday, Sudarshan reportedly went to meet his wife at her in-laws’ house along with two other youths. Family members alleged that he was heavily intoxicated and created a disturbance at the house.

The situation soon escalated into a confrontation. Villagers and members of the woman’s family allegedly tied up Sudarshan with ropes and assaulted him severely. His wife then took him to Pattamundai hospital for treatment before he was shifted to Cuttack due to his deteriorating health condition.

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Meanwhile, Sudarshan’s sister, Kandhei Sethi, lodged a complaint at Pattamundai police station alleging that her brother was brutally beaten by his in-laws and others.

Speaking on the matter, Pattamundai IIC Bandana Patra said a case has been registered based on the complaint. She added that police have spoken to Sudarshan’s wife over phone, and further statements will be recorded after she returns from the hospital. Investigation into the incident is underway.