Bhubaneswar, May 11: The prime accused in the shocking broad-daylight attack on a man in Kanas Market in Puri district surrendered before the District & Sessions Judge Court on Monday, days after four others were apprehended in connection with the incident.
The accused, identified as Sudhanshu Mohapatra, alias Happy, is believed to have orchestrated the violent assault that took place in the crowded Kanas market on May 2. The attack is suspected to have been a premeditated attempt on the life of the victim, Mrutyunjaya Bharimal of Dokanda village.
According to eyewitnesses, a group of armed men chased Bharimal through the bustling market before attacking him with sharp weapons. The assailants repeatedly hacked him and dragged him onto the road, sparking panic among shopkeepers and local residents. Reports suggest they also attempted to run him over with a speeding motorcycle before fleeing the scene.
Bharimal was rescued by locals with the assistance of police and rushed to a nearby hospital. Given the severity of his injuries, he was later transferred to AIIMS Bhubaneswar, where he remains in critical condition.
Earlier, Puri police had arrested four individuals linked to the case on May 4. With the surrender of the alleged mastermind, investigators are now focusing on uncovering the motive behind the attack and whether prior enmity played a role.
