BARGARH: Sarpanch of Charpali gram panchayat Pandava Meher and five others were arrested by Padampur police on Friday for allegedly lynching Trinath Naik of Charpali village on February 9.
The other accused are Duaru Banka, Budha Negi, Kalia Rana, Grosunu Meher and Sudam Mishra, all belonging to Charpali.
Padampur SDPO Prakash Patra said Trinath was beaten to death after he failed to pay back `350 to Duaru, who runs an illegal country liquor outlet in the village. Trinath had consumed liquor on credit over a period of time, but failed to pay the money. Peeved, Duaru met the Sarpanch who roped in four others to lynch Trinath.
To cover up his involvement, the Sarpanch told police that the murder was the handiwork of villagers of Lambarjuna, who have previous rivalry with people of Charpali.
He also told Luhabati, Trinath’s widow, about it and made her stage a dharna with Charpali villagers in front of the Collectorate demanding action against villagers of Lambarjuna in February.
During investigation, Padampur police found involvement of the six persons. On Friday, they were produced in court which remanded them in judicial custody.