Berhampur: In a shocking incident that has raised serious concerns about public safety and bystander apathy in Odisha, two men allegedly assaulted a young man and his female friend with hockey sticks and wooden clubs on Beach Road in crowded Giri Market area in Berhampur on Monday evening.
A video of the brutal attack, which occurred in full public view, has since gone viral on social media, triggering widespread condemnation. Six persons have so far been detained for questioning in connection with the incident.
According to sources, the assault took place around 9 pm when Umesh Rath and his female companion stopped at a roadside food stall. Two youths, identified as brothers Mukteswar Kumar Sahu and Ashis Kumar Sahu, arrived armed with sticks and launched a vicious attack on Rath.
Eyewitness accounts and the circulating video showed the young man collapsing to the ground and screaming for help as one attacker repeatedly struck him on the head and back. The second assailant allegedly targeted his legs. The female companion tried to shield and protect him, but the duo continued their merciless assault despite her efforts. Shockingly, despite the crowded location and dozens of onlookers, no one intervened to stop the attack or assist the victims.
The duo sustained injuries and were rushed to MKCG Medical College and Hospital in Berhampur for treatment. Rath with multiple fractures in his legs was later shifted to Visakhapatnam for advanced care.
Police have registered a case and identified the accused, who are believed to have acted over past enmity linked to a shared workplace or group. CCTV footage from the area are being examined and raids conducted at multiple locations to apprehend them. “An FIR has been registered against five people. 14 criminal cases are pending against the victim. The attackers and the victim had some differences. Cases were registered earlier pertaining to dispute between them. They were out on bail,” SP (Berhampur) Saravana Vivek M told the media.
Incidentally, this came a day after DGP Y B Khurania issued a stern warning to goons, cautioning that they could face encounters if they disrupt law and order.
‘Goonda Raj, Not Governance’
Reacting to the brutal assault, Leader of Opposition Naveen Patnaik expressed deep concern, stating that the incident has left people across Odisha fearful and deeply disturbed. “This is not BJP’s rule in Odisha..this is pure Goonda Raj. The entire state is terrified and deeply disturbed,” he said in a strongly worded post on X on Tuesday.
He accused the BJP government of allowing criminals and anti-social elements to operate with impunity, claiming that Odisha’s reputation is being severely damaged across the country due to the worsening law and order situation. “The BJP government has virtually handed over the state to criminals. Anti-social elements are committing atrocities openly and without fear. What has happened to the police administration and the rule of law?” he questioned.
Naveen asserted that governance cannot be sustained through mere “publicity, celebrations and loud claims” while ordinary citizens continue to feel unsafe. He accused the ruling dispensation of focusing on events and political optics instead of ensuring public security.
He demanded an immediate crackdown on criminals and anti-social elements, strict and swift action against all those involved in the Berhampur assault and restoration of law and order across Odisha.
