Berhampur: Two accused were arrested in connection with the brutal public assault on a young couple on Giri Road in Berhampur. The accused have been identified as Raj Malhotra and Lingaraj Samal.
The prime accused, Sandeep Sahu, remains absconding, with police teams actively searching for him.
The incident occurred on Sunday evening when a group of around five persons intercepted 26-year-old Umesh Rath of Goshaninuagaon and his girlfriend while they were riding a bike on Giri Road.
The assailants allegedly attacked them with sticks and bamboo rods. The woman sustained injuries while trying to shield her boyfriend. A video of the assault, showing the young man lying on the road and his girlfriend protecting him, went viral on social media, sparking public outrage.
According to police, the assault stemmed from previous enmity between the accused and the victim.Berhampur SP Saravana Vivek M said, “We have detained two persons for interrogation.
Searches are on to nab the other accused persons named in the FIR.” He added that multiple teams have been formed and raids are being conducted at several locations.
Preliminary investigation indicates the attack was pre-planned. Police have registered a case and are continuing efforts to trace and arrest the remaining accused, including the prime accused Sandeep Sahu.
