A 22-year-old youth was brutally murdered, and another left critically injured, after criminals allegedly attacked them with machetes near Belpahar level crossing in Jharsuguda district on Monday afternoon. The incident occurred following a road rage altercation.
Victims Identified
Police identified the deceased as Rahul, also known as Bahadur Mahato (22), while the injured youth, Akash Sahu (23), was shifted to the district headquarters hospital in Jharsuguda after receiving initial treatment at Lakhanpur Hospital. Both were residents of Junadihi College Pada in Belpahar.
Sequence of Events
According to police, the incident took place around 2 pm near the level crossing at Gandhinagar under Belpahar police station limits. Preliminary investigation revealed that the victims' motorcycle allegedly collided with the accused's car, triggering a heated argument between the two groups. The argument quickly escalated, and the accused attacked the victims with machetes. Rahul died from his injuries, while Akash sustained critical wounds.
Police Response
Jharsuguda Superintendent of Police G R Raghavendra, along with Brajrajnagar Sub-Divisional Police Officer Chintamani Pradhan and Belpahar police, reached the spot and launched an investigation. SP Raghavendra stated, "At 2 pm near Belpahar Fatak, a fatal road rage incident occurred following an altercation between a sedan driver and a two-wheeler rider. During the altercation, the accused allegedly attacked Rahul Mahato with a machete (Bhujali), leading to his death at Lakhanpur Hospital. Injured Akash Sahu was shifted to the district headquarters hospital, Jharsuguda, and is presently stable. Police immediately analysed CCTV footage, identified the involved vehicle and apprehended Chudamani Kalet, Pradeep Banchor and Pushpalata Banchor. Further probe is underway."
Investigation and Arrests
Police swiftly analysed CCTV footage from the area, which helped identify the vehicle involved. Three suspects—Chudamani Kalet, Pradeep Banchor, and Pushpalata Banchor—were arrested in connection with the attack. The investigation is ongoing to determine the exact circumstances leading to the fatal altercation.
