Bhubaneswar, March 23 : Four members of a family were brutally murdered and one person hospitalized with grievous injuries in a clash on Tuesday night between two groups over the passing of objectionable comments. Ganjam SP Brijesh Ray on Wednesday said the gruesome incident took place near Pital Chhak under Hinjlikatu Police station of Ganjam district on late Tuesday night. Irate villagers have blocked the Berhampur-Aska NH 59 since this morning demanding action against the accused. Ray said while three people were killed on the spot one succumbed to the injuries in the hospital. One of the attackers who was injured has been admitted to MKCG Medical College and hospital at Berhampur. Police identified the deceased as Sambhu Swain, his brothers Pandura, Raja and their cousin Chandan. While the deceased belonged to Narendrapur, the accused were from the Ramachandrapur area. Police have detained three persons in connection with the incident and are inquiring into the case. Preliminary reports said Swain and his brothers were attacked by the rival group while they were going to close down their fast food shop at Pital Chhak for the day. As soon as they were notified, the police arrived at the scene, rushed the injured to Hinjilikatu hospital and then to MKCG Medical College and Hospital, but all four of them were declared dead. Reports said there was an altercation between the two groups of people after some youths of one group allegedly passed comments on some members of the other group while they were helping a couple meet with an accident on Tuesday night. After the argument, some people left, but later returned with more and attacked Swain and his brothers. The Ganjam SP said the police have seized the weapons used in the crime. Investigation is on. BD DP RN