In a shocking display of defiance, a Baliapal police team was brutally attacked by the family of a kidnapping accused on Thursday morning while attempting to arrest him in Kachuapada village.
The violent confrontation left the Inspector-in-Charge (IIC) and several officers injured after the accused’s relatives — including women — charged at them with sticks, iron weapons, knives, and sickles. Police later arrested three women linked to the family, but the main accused and other male members remain on the run as a massive manhunt continues.
The Kidnapping That Sparked the Drama
The case began on May 17 when Jyotishree Tripathy went missing from Singla police station limits. Her sister, Rajalipa Mishra, lodged a missing complaint. On May 22, Rajalipa received information that her sister had allegedly been abducted by Mithun Jena, son of Shibnath Jena, and was being held at his house in Kachuapada village under Baliapal panchayat.
Rajalipa, along with her husband Gyanaranjan Mishra and family friend Rajkishore Das, rushed to the house to verify the information. Instead of answers, they faced savage violence. The Jena family allegedly attacked them, falsely branded them as thieves, beat them mercilessly, snatched Rajalipa’s gold chain, and assaulted them on the road before handing the injured trio over to Baliapal police — still shouting “thief! thief!”Initial police handling of the complaint drew criticism. A proper investigation later established the kidnapping angle, leading to a case against Mithun Jena and others, including his brothers Uttam and Gautam, and family members.
Thursday’s Dramatic Police Raid
Early on Thursday, IIC Salkhan Murmu, along with SI Subhasmita Pal and a team, reached Mithun Jena’s house in Kachuapada to arrest the accused. As soon as the police arrived, the entire family launched a ferocious attack. Men wielding lathis and iron rods charged forward while women joined in with sharp weapons. In the fierce clash, the IIC and other police personnel were injured. The team was forced to retreat.
The injured officers received treatment at Baliapal Community Health Centre before returning to the police station. Undeterred, police returned with a full platoon for a raid. By the time they reached the house, the family had fled. Using mobile phone tracking, police traced and arrested three women — including Mithun Jena’s mother and sister, along with another woman — from the Basta area. They have been taken into custody.
Mithun Jena, his father, and brothers Uttam and Gautam are still absconding. Police have intensified the search operation.
Basta SDPO Samarth Kumar Behera confirmed that the investigation is in full swing. “We are conducting a thorough probe. All the accused will be arrested soon,” he said.
The incident has once again highlighted the risks police face while dealing with accused persons and their families who resort to violence to evade the law.
