Bhubaneswar, May 7: A young man was killed and another critically injured after being brutally attacked by a group of local youths in broad daylight in Balianta, Bhubaneswar, on Thursday afternoon. The assault reportedly stemmed from allegations of misbehavior towards two women.
The incident began when two youths riding a motorcycle collided with a two-wheeler carrying two women. A heated argument ensued following the collision, after which the women claimed that the youths attempted to misbehave with them.
it is said that, hearing the commotion and cries for help, residents rushed to the scene. The crowd allegedly overpowered the two youths, tied their hands and legs with bamboo sticks, and carried out a violent assault.
Both victims were rushed to Capital Hospital in critical condition.
One of them, Soumya Ranjan Swain, a Government Railway Police personnel from Adaspur, succumbed to his injuries.
The second youth, Om Prakash Rout, remains under critical care, and the local police have recorded his statement.
A relative of the deceased questioned how such a brutal act could occur in broad daylight over alleged misbehavior, hinting that there may be other factors requiring deeper investigation.
A murder case has been registered at Balianta Police Station, and the investigation is ongoing. The Inspector-in-Charge confirmed that preliminary inquiries revealed no prior enmity between the parties involved.
The police arrived at the scene and rushed both men to Capital Hospital, where Swain was declared dead.
Bhubaneswar DCP Jagmohan Meena stated that three parties were involved in the incident: the two girls on the scooter, the youths who collided with them, and the local villagers who attacked the men. He added that crucial details emerged during the interrogation of Swain’s friend. One of the girls has lodged an FIR accusing Swain of attempting to molest her, and her statement has been recorded by the police.
Authorities are analyzing video footage to identify those involved in the lynching. DCP Meena confirmed that legal action will be taken against anyone found responsible
