The main accused in the Pipili assault case, Sudhanshu Mahapatra alias Hapi, surrendered before the Puri court on Monday following an intense police pursuit.
Mahapatra faced charges of attacking a youth and attempting to kill him by hitting him with a bike in Golabazaar under Kanas police limits. Police sources said the assault stemmed from previous enmity between the accused and the victim.
The surrender came after police tightened surveillance and arrested four other suspects earlier in connection with the case. Officers confirmed that Mahapatra’s surrender marked a major breakthrough in the investigation.
The incident had triggered outrage in Pipili after reports emerged that the youth sustained serious injuries in the attack. Police launched a manhunt for Mahapatra soon after identifying him as the prime accused.
Investigators said Mahapatra’s surrender followed sustained pressure from law enforcement teams operating across Puri district. The accused appeared before the court voluntarily, ending days of speculation about his whereabouts.
