Deogarh, Odisha — A domestic dispute late on Wednesday night resulted in the deaths of three family members in Gariapali village. An elderly man allegedly bludgeoned his wife, daughter-in-law, and four-year-old granddaughter to death with a hammer.

Background

The accused, identified as Ramesh Garia, was reportedly intoxicated during the incident. While the immediate cause of the violence appeared to be a sudden escalation of an argument, preliminary investigations suggest a long-standing family dispute contributed to the tragedy. The nature of the crime has caused significant distress and disbelief throughout the local community.

Sequence of Events

The tragedy unfolded at approximately 23:30 when Ramesh Garia engaged in a heated argument with his wife, Gul Garia. When Gul Garia sought assistance from her daughter-in-law, Lipi Mahakul, Ramesh turned his aggression upon both women, striking them repeatedly with a hammer. In a further act of brutality, he attacked his granddaughter, Ishani, before fleeing the scene.

Community Impact

The discovery was made by the accused’s son when he returned home to find the bodies of his wife, mother, and daughter. He alerted the local police, who have registered a case and launched a manhunt for the absconding Ramesh Garia. The incident has left the residents of Gariapali village deeply shaken and concerned regarding local safety.

The local administration has assured the community that all efforts are being made to apprehend the perpetrator. Police patrols in the area have increased following the incident. The community is currently grappling with the shock of such extreme violence occurring within a domestic setting.

What Happens Next

A comprehensive search operation is underway to locate Ramesh Garia. Further investigations into the precise sequence of events and the underlying causes of the dispute are being conducted by the Deogarh police. The authorities have appealed to the public for any information that may assist in the swift apprehension of the accused.

The police have cordoned off the residence to preserve forensic evidence, which will be processed by a specialised team from the district headquarters. Officers have also begun interviewing neighbours and extended family members to establish a clearer timeline of the events leading up to the attack. The bodies have been transported to the local government hospital for post-mortem examinations to confirm the exact cause of death.

As the investigation continues, the local panchayat has called for a meeting to discuss mental health awareness and conflict resolution strategies within the village. The authorities remain committed to ensuring that justice is served for the victims. The police have requested that anyone with information regarding the whereabouts of the suspect contact the Deogarh control room immediately. The search has expanded to neighbouring districts, with checkpoints established on major arterial roads to prevent the suspect from leaving the region. The community awaits further updates as the police work to bring the perpetrator to justice.