A brutal daylight ambush on National Highway-59 near Tatabali has left one youth dead and another critically injured, sending shockwaves through the Sorada police limits in Odisha’s Ganjam district.
The deceased has been identified as Krishna Gouda, a resident of Suramani village, while his companion, Rajat Behera, is currently undergoing intensive medical treatment for serious injuries.
According to preliminary police reports, the harrowing sequence of events began when Krishna and Rajat were travelling together on a motorcycle. Near Tatabali, a pickup van suddenly approached from the opposite direction and intentionally or forcefully collided with their two-wheeler, throwing both riders onto the asphalt.
Before the victims could recover from the impact, a group of armed youths materialised at the scene. Wielding sharp weapons, the assailants launched a vicious assault on the helpless duo before fleeing into the shadows.
Local bystanders rushed to the rescue, quickly transporting the bleeding youths to the Sorada Community Health Centre. Due to the severity of their condition, both were subsequently transferred to Berhampur for advanced medical care. Tragically, Krishna Gouda succumbed to his injuries while fighting for his life.
Investigators are probing deep into the motive behind the bloodshed. Police strongly suspect the assault stems from a simmering feud that originated a few days prior during a Ganesh idol immersion procession in Suramani village. That celebration had devolved into a violent clash between rival factions, creating persistent local tension that authorities believe ultimately culminated in this fatal ambush.
The Sorada police have registered a case, launched a comprehensive manhunt for the fugitive attackers, and deployed additional surveillance to maintain peace in the area.
