A 35-year-old man sustained critical injuries in a brazen daylight attack by armed assailants in the Kanas area of Puri district on Saturday. The attackers also attempted to run him over with a speeding motorcycle.
Details of the Incident
According to eyewitnesses, a group of miscreants chased Mrutyunjaya Bharimal, a resident of Dokanda village, through a crowded marketplace. They launched a violent assault using sharp weapons, repeatedly striking him and dragging him over a considerable distance. The incident created widespread panic in the area.
Local residents, with the assistance of police, rescued the critically injured man and rushed him to a nearby hospital. Due to the severity of his injuries, he was later transferred to AIIMS-Bhubaneswar, where his condition remains critical.
Police Investigation
Puri Superintendent of Police Prateek Singh stated that past enmity could be the possible motive behind the attack. “The injured man reportedly has multiple criminal cases registered against him, while the attackers too are said to have a history of criminal involvement,” he said. Police have formed three special teams to track the accused, and raids are being conducted at multiple locations.
Political Reaction
Former Chief Minister Naveen Patnaik strongly condemned the incident, stating that such brazen acts of violence in broad daylight reflect a breakdown of law and order. In a post on X, he questioned the state government’s ability to ensure public safety and alleged that criminals were operating without fear.
The incident has raised concerns about public safety in the region, with authorities under pressure to apprehend the perpetrators swiftly.
