A 24‑year‑old youth named Biki Ray faced a brutal assault near Jagannath Temple close to the Burla police station late Sunday night.
Police said the attack stemmed from a four‑year‑old murder case involving rival groups.
Investigators revealed that Tulu Banchohar (27) of Mahatabnagar, who carried 17 criminal cases across different police stations, led the assault. Police arrested him while five other accused remain absconding.
According to reports, Biki Ray had earlier killed Tulu’s relative in 2022. He spent time in jail for that case and other charges before securing bail recently. Police said Tulu and his associates had been waiting for an opportunity to strike.
On Sunday night, around 9 PM, Biki stepped out of his house in an intoxicated state. Tulu and his group surrounded him near a dark stretch close to Jagannath Temple. They attacked him with sharp weapons, including swords and axes. Biki suffered severe injuries to his head and multiple parts of his body. Heavy bleeding left him unconscious at the spot.
Local residents rescued him and rushed him to VIMSAR, where doctors confirmed he is out of danger. Police intensified raids to nab the remaining accused.
