Bhubaneswar, Feb. 14 -- A youth was allegedly beaten to death by villagers on suspicion of theft at Sarddul village under Bhanjanagar in Odisha's Ganjam district late on Friday night.

The deceased has been identified as Bandhar Pradhan of Kurumungia village in Kandhamal district.

According to police sources, the incident occurred around 2 am when two persons allegedly broke into a locked house in the village. Hearing suspicious noises, local youths raised an alarm, prompting villagers to gather at the spot.

During the chase, one of the suspects reportedly managed to flee, while Pradhan was apprehended by villagers. He was allegedly tied to an electric pole and assaulted on suspicion of theft.

A local resident said police arrived at th...