In a shocking incident, a journalist was left critically injured after being attacked with sharp weapons by an allegedly drug-addicted youth in Papadahandi, Nabarangpur district, late on Friday night.
The victim has been identified as Sumit Kumar Ghanta, who was returning home when the assailant reportedly launched a brutal assault near Bhabani Chhak.
According to sources, the accused, allegedly under the influence of alcohol and drugs, first struck Ghanta with a sword. Despite being grievously injured, the journalist tried to overpower the attacker. In retaliation, the youth pulled out a knife and repeatedly stabbed him, inflicting multiple wounds on his abdomen and chest.
Ghanta was initially rushed to a nearby local hospital for emergency treatment. However, given the severity of his injuries, he was later shifted to Visakhapatnam, where his condition continues to be critical, hospital sources confirmed.
Investigations revealed that the journalist had earlier lodged a police complaint against the accused over his alleged involvement in drug-related activities. Police suspect that Friday night’s attack was an act of revenge.
Eyewitnesses said that after the incident, locals caught the accused youth and thrashed him before handing him over to the police. The attacker, who also sustained injuries during the scuffle, is undergoing treatment at a local medical facility under police custody.
The attack has sparked widespread outrage in Nabarangpur, with journalists and local residents condemning the incident and demanding strict action against the accused. Police have launched an investigation and assured that justice will be delivered.
