Bhubaneswar: The alleged mastermind behind the sensational broad daylight attack on a 35-year-old man in Puri district surrendered before the District & Sessions Judge Court in Puri on Monday, days after four others were arrested in connection with the case.
The accused, identified as Sudhanshu Mohapatra alias Happy, is suspected to have orchestrated the violent attack that took place in the busy Kanas market area on May 2 (Saturday). The incident appeared to be a planned attempt to kill the victim, Mrutyunjaya Bharimal of Dokanda village.
According to reports, a group of armed miscreants chased Bharimal through the crowded marketplace before attacking him with sharp weapons. The assailants repeatedly hacked the victim and dragged him on the road, triggering panic among shopkeepers and locals. The attackers also allegedly tried to run him over with a speeding motorcycle before fleeing the spot.
Locals, assisted by police personnel, rescued Bharimal in a critical condition and rushed him to a nearby hospital. He was later shifted to AIIMS Bhubaneswar as his condition deteriorated, and the victim continues to remain critical.
Puri police had earlier arrested four persons in connection with the case on May 4 (Monday). With the surrender of the alleged mastermind, investigators are now probing the motive behind the attack and examining whether previous enmity led to the assault.
