A night of celebration turned into a bloody confrontation in the capital city after a clash broke out between two groups during a Ganesh Puja idol immersion procession at Salia Sahi late on September 23, 2026.
The brawl, which took place at the Jaga Balia Club ground under the jurisdiction of the Maitrivihar Police Station, resulted in severe injuries, allegations of armed assault, robbery, and the subsequent arrest of four persons following cross-complaints filed by both factions.
According to police sources, the dispute originated during the immersion procession organized by the Jaga Balia Club in Janata Nagar, Saliasahi. An argument flared up over alcohol consumption between K. Jitendra Reddy and a local youth identified as Sipun. While the procession eventually moved on, the dispute escalated hours later.
Late that night, Sipun’s associates and family members allegedly arrived at the Jaga Balia Club ground on motorcycles, armed with broken beer bottles, bamboo sticks, and sharp weapons. The mob launched a coordinated attack on K. Jitendra Reddy and two of his friends, hacking at them with weapons. The victims suffered critical injuries and were rushed to Capital Hospital for emergency medical treatment.
Based on a complaint lodged by Jitendra’s father, K. Biswanath Reddy, Maitrivihar Police registered Case No. 440/2026 under relevant sections of the Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita (BNS), including attempted murder and assault. Police swiftly launched a crackdown, arresting three accused: Sikan alias Suvaraj Maharana (28), Akash Mohapatra (26), and Pabitra Dora (24). Two bamboo sticks used in the attack were seized from their possession.
The conflict took a complex turn when the opposing party lodged a counter-complaint (Case No. 441/2026). Rosy Nayak alleged that during the same incident, K. Jitendra Reddy launched a unprovoked attack on her brother, Pintu Nayak, smashing a beer bottle onto his head with the intent to kill him. Broken glass inflicted severe injuries on Pintu’s head and arms.
Furthermore, the complainant alleged that during the assault, Jitendra robbed Pintu of an iPhone, ₹500 in cash, and a silver bracelet from his pocket.
Acting on the counter-complaint, Maitrivihar Police arrested K. Jitendra Reddy on Thursday afternoon.
With both cases registered under stringent provisions of the BNS—including sections for attempted murder, voluntary causing hurt by dangerous weapons, and robbery—the Maitrivihar Police completed initial investigations and produced all four accused in court on Thursday evening. Further investigation into the involvement of other gang members remains ongoing.
