Puri: Police in Puri district have apprehended four persons in connection with a brutal assault and attempted murder case reported from Kanas area, officials said on Monday.
According to a press note issued by the District Headquarters, Puri, the case has been registered at Kanas Police Station under multiple provisions of the Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita (BNS), including charges related to unlawful restraint, grievous assault, criminal intimidation, and attempt to murder.
The accused have been identified as Dharma Niranjan Badjena (21), Chandrakanta Jena alias Bapi (39), Chinmaya Gajendra alias Pintu (20), and Ajay Baliarsingh, all residents of villages under Kanas police limits. The investigation is being led by Sub-Inspector Sushil Kujur.
The case stems from a complaint lodged by Soumya Ranjan Bharimal (38), who alleged that his younger brother, Mrutyunjay Bharimal, was attacked on the morning of May 2 near Gola Bazar Chhaka, close to the local Panchayat office.
Police said the accused, who reportedly had prior enmity with the victim, had planned the attack following an altercation a day earlier. On the day of the incident, they allegedly followed Mrutyunjay to the marketplace on a Bullet motorcycle and a TVS Jupiter scooter.
During the assault, the accused reportedly attacked the victim with a fish-cutting knife (paniki), physically assaulted him, and even ran a motorcycle over his body, causing severe injuries. They also allegedly abused and threatened him.
Upon receiving information, Kanas Police rushed to the spot, rescued the injured, and shifted him first to the Community Health Centre (CHC) at Kanas and later to AIIMS for advanced treatment. His condition was not immediately disclosed.
As part of the investigation, police engaged a scientific team to examine the scene and collect blood samples. The weapon used in the crime has been seized, along with a mobile phone. Witness statements have been recorded.
Superintendent of Police, Puri, formed multiple teams, including a Special Squad, to track down the accused. Assistance from the Cyber Cell was also taken to locate them. Police have intensified patrolling in Kanas Bazar and deployed forces to maintain law and order, keeping a close watch to prevent any retaliatory violence.
Officials said all four accused have been apprehended, while efforts are underway to nab others involved in the crime. Ajay Baliarsingh is accused of aiding the main assailants in escaping after the attack.
Police further revealed that the arrested individuals have prior criminal records, with cases registered against them in the past involving serious offences including rioting, assault, and use of arms.
The investigation is ongoing.
