Bhubaneswar: Fear gripped Odisha capital after a gang of more than eight masked miscreants allegedly went on a violent rampage in Budhanagar area under Laxmisagar police limits, on Monday evening.
Brandishing swords and iron rods, the assailants created chaos in the locality, vandalising several vehicles and launching brutal attacks on unsuspecting victims before fleeing the scene.
Among those targeted was Ranjan Das, a native of BJB Nagar’s Mainshikhala basti and an employee at a private medical facility. The attackers severely assaulted Das and vandalised his vehicle, leaving him with deep injuries to his head and neck. Das’ hospital colleagues intervened to save him from the assailants and rushed him to a healthcare facility for urgent medical treatment. Another youth was also critically struck with a sword during the spree and sustained serious injuries to his head and body.
Following a formal complaint, Laxmisagar police arrived at the scene to conduct a preliminary inspection and collect evidence. A search operation has been launched and raids are being conducted to apprehend the absconding suspects. Police are also examining CCTV footage from surrounding areas to trace the movements of the masked gang, identify their escape routes, and establish the motive behind the violent assault.
The brazen act of violence has raised fresh concerns over public safety in Bhubaneswar, coming on the heels of similar late-night sword attacks reported in the city’s Baramunda area earlier this year.