Two days after a 35-year-old man was brutally attacked in broad daylight in the Kanas area of Puri district, police arrested four accused on Monday. The weapon used in the crime, along with a mobile phone, was seized.
Victim Critical, Accused Identified
The condition of the victim, Mrutyunjaya Bharimal, a resident of Dokanda village, remains critical at AIIMS-Bhubaneswar, according to doctors treating him. The arrested accused have been identified as Dharma Niranjan Badjena (21), Chandrakanta Jena (39), Chinmaya Gajendra (20), and Ajay Baliarsingh, all from villages under Kanas police limits.
Puri SP Prateek Singh stated that both the victim and the accused have past criminal records, pointing to a history of rivalry between them. Baliarsingh is suspected of helping the main accused escape after the attack.
Details of the Attack
The attack took place on May 2 at Gola Bazar Chhaka. Bharimal was chased and attacked with a sharp weapon known as a 'paniki' by a group of miscreants in a crowded marketplace. He was then allegedly run over with a motorcycle. Investigations revealed that the assailants tracked the victim's movement and executed the attack in a coordinated manner.
A scientific team examined the spot and collected evidence. Statements of eyewitnesses have also been recorded. Multiple teams, including a special squad and the cyber cell, were deployed to trace the accused.
Police Intensify Efforts
Police have intensified efforts to nab the other people involved in the crime. Patrolling in the Kanas market area has been stepped up, and additional force has been deployed to prevent any untoward incident. The investigation is ongoing.
