Brutal murder over ‘affair’: Police crack case in 48 hours

By Sumesh Rajan | March 23, 2025

Bhubaneswar, India – Odisha Police have arrested a 38-year-old man for allegedly murdering his neighbour over suspicions of an extramarital affair with his wife. The crime took place in Bhalumunda village, under the jurisdiction of the Mahabirod police station in Odisha’s Dhenkanal district.

 Illustrative image 

The victim, Lulu Dehury, an industrial worker, was discovered dead with severe head injuries in a forest along the Mahabir-Chandpur road on the morning of March 21, 2025. According to local sources, Dehury had attended the Dola Melana festival on the night of March 20 but did not return home. Concerned villagers later found his lifeless body and alerted law enforcement authorities.

Swift Investigation Leads to Arrest

Initially, investigators had few leads, but suspicion quickly fell on Jugal Dehury, a resident whose house was located next to the victim’s. Upon rigorous questioning, Jugal admitted to the murder, citing suspicions of an affair between his wife and Lulu as the motive.

Police revealed that both men had previously worked together in Tamil Nadu nearly eight years ago. In recent months, Jugal became increasingly convinced that his wife was involved in an illicit relationship with Lulu, which allegedly fuelled his resentment.

On the night of March 20, during the Dola Melana festival, Jugal lured Lulu into a nearby cashew forest and fatally attacked him with an axe. Law enforcement officials have since recovered the murder weapon as part of their investigation.

Official Statement and Legal Proceedings

Kamakhyanagar Sub-Divisional Police Officer (SDPO) Gyana Ranjan Mishra confirmed the arrest, stating, “At this stage, no other suspects are involved, but further inquiries are on-going.” The case was solved within 48 hours, underscoring Odisha Police's efficiency in forensic analysis and investigative procedures.

The incident has sent shockwaves through the local community, highlighting the tragic consequences of suspicion, violence, and personal conflicts. Authorities continue to investigate further details surrounding the case.

Dola Melana Festival: A Cultural Tradition

Dola Purnima, a significant festival in Odisha, features the Dola Melana, a grand congregation of deities from various villages at a central location known as Melana Padia. Idols are placed on elaborately decorated swings, known as 'dola,' and are gently rocked to the rhythm of devotional songs, marking an important spiritual and cultural event in the region.