A festive procession turned into a scene of terror in Bhubaneswar on Sunday night when a group of youths transporting a Ganesh idol was violently intercepted and attacked by armed assailants.
Capital Police have registered a case and arrested the main suspect, 19-year-old Guru Sabar, while a manhunt is underway for his absconding brother.
According to police sources, the incident occurred around 8:00 PM on September 20 near Patel Basti in Unit-II. The complainant, Kajal Mallick, stated that her son, Aju Mallick, along with his friends, was carrying a Lord Ganesh idol in a pickup auto for the immersion procession.
The celebration was cut short when accused Kailash Sabar and his brother Guru Sabar blocked the route. Equipped with wooden sticks and lethal weapons, the brothers launched a violent gang attack on Aju Mallick and his companions with the intent to murder, raining blows, kicks, and punches. Aju sustained severe head injuries in the attack, while several others suffered minor to moderate injuries. The assailants issued death threats, warning the group not to proceed with the immersion.
Aju Mallick was rushed to Capital Hospital for immediate medical treatment. Taking swift action, Capital Police launched an operation and tracked down Guru Sabar near the Unit-II area around 2:00 AM on September 21. During the scuffle to apprehend him, Sabar suffered minor injuries to his right hand and middle finger.
“The accused, Guru Sabar, has been formally arrested based on collected evidence and forwarded to court today. Search operations are actively ongoing to trace and arrest the absconding co-accused, Kailash Sabar,” confirmed senior police officials.
The police have registered Capital P.S. Case No. 753/2026 under Sections 126(2), 115(2), 117(2), 109, 351(2), and 3(5) of the Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita (BNS).
