Mystery Deepens in Rayagada: Retired Teacher and Librarian Found Dead

Rayagada, April 25: Two retired professionals — Sudam Naik (65), a retired librarian from Kesinga College, and his father-in-law Lingaraj Sahu (85), a retired teacher from Titilagarh — were found dead under mysterious circumstances while returning from medical treatment in Visakhapatnam.

The duo had boarded a train on Thursday night after their original train was cancelled.

Hours later, Lingaraj’s body was discovered near Rayagada station, while Sudam’s body was found near Dahikhala railway station, about ten feet from the tracks.

Railway police recovered the bodies on Friday morning, traced Sudam’s family through his belongings, and sent both for post-mortem before handing them over for cremation.

Relatives suspect foul play, alleging that hired assailants may have attacked them inside the train due to a property dispute.

Lingaraj had reportedly decided to transfer land to Sudam, which angered other family members.

The deaths have shocked the Kesinga and Titilagarh communities, where Sudam was an active member of the Kesinga Citizens Forum.

Police have registered a case and are investigating whether the deaths were accidental or the result of a planned crime.