A violent gang war erupted in Hirakud, Sambalpur, on Monday night, resulting in the death of notorious criminal Kalu Bahadur and serious injury to his associate Satyaranjan Dhal.
Kalu Bahadur, 30, was riding a bike with Dhal from Store Chhak to Durgamandir Chhak when a group of assailants ambushed them between Pathar Line and Substationpada. The attackers, acting on a premeditated plan, struck Kalu with a brick to the head, causing both men to fall off the bike. The gang then assaulted Kalu with sharp weapons and continued to strike his head with bricks. Satyaranjan, who tried to resist, was also attacked and left critically injured.
Kalu died on the spot due to excessive bleeding. Satyaranjan is currently undergoing treatment at VIMSAR, Burla.
Police arrested seven individuals in connection with the murder: Sani Behera (33), Pratap Behera (24), Jaynarayan Mishra (24), Raj Barik (22), Sridhar Prasad (25), Sameer Behera (21), and Sahil Behera (23). Authorities recovered weapons used in the attack, including knives and bhujalis.
The motive behind the killing appears to be revenge. Kalu and his associates had previously murdered Banti Behera, brother of accused Sani Behera. Tensions between the two groups had been escalating since that incident.
All seven accused were produced in court today. Police continue to investigate the case and monitor the condition of the injured victim.
