Berhampur, Jul 27: A youth sustained grievous injuries after he was allegedly chased and attacked with swords by a group of miscreants in Purushottampur town of Ganjam district on Sunday, police said.

The injured has been identified as Bunty Barik, a resident of Badakharida village. The incident took place near Kali Temple Square, where the attackers allegedly intercepted and assaulted him with sharp weapons before fleeing the spot.

Local residents who witnessed the attack immediately rushed to Barik's rescue and shifted him to the Purushottampur Community Health Centre. Owing to the severity of his injuries, doctors later referred him to the MKCG Medical College and Hospital in Berhampur for advanced treatment.

Eyewitnesses said the four accused escaped from the scene on motorcycles soon after carrying out the attack, triggering panic in the locality.

The Purushottampur Police have registered a case and launched an investigation to identify and apprehend the assailants.

Police teams are examining available evidence and making efforts to trace the accused.

While the exact motive behind the assault is yet to be established, preliminary investigations suggest that the attack may have been the result of previous enmity.

Further investigation is underway.