Tension gripped Bargarh town after two youths attacked a hotel owner with a knife in broad daylight for refusing to pay extortion money.
The incident occurred in the busy Hatpada area, raising serious questions about law and order in the district.
According to eyewitnesses, the two intoxicated youths entered the hotel around noon and demanded money. When the owner refused, an argument broke out. The assailants then attacked him with a knife, leaving his son critically injured.
Local residents rushed to the spot after hearing the owner’s cries. Showing courage, they overpowered the attackers, thrashed them, and handed them over to the Bargarh Town Police. People expressed anger that, despite police deployment nearby, officers failed to intervene during the assault.
Residents alleged that criminals no longer fear the police due to inaction. They said, “Bargarh is no longer safe. Police inactivity has emboldened offenders.” The incident added to growing frustration over rising gang clashes, murders, and drug trafficking in the town.
The Bargarh Lawyers’ Association had earlier demanded the transfer of the district SP, citing failure to control crime. Following the latest incident, the association met the RDC and DIG in Sambalpur yesterday and submitted a memorandum expressing dissatisfaction with the deteriorating law and order situation.
Local leaders remained silent, while opposition parties also avoided comment. Citizens, however, continued to raise questions about police accountability. The attack has intensified calls for stronger policing and immediate administrative action.
