A violent clash during a football match in the Kutra block of Sundargarh district left one man critically injured after a stabbing attack.
Police arrested two accused while 14 others remain absconding.
The incident occurred near Laxmiposh School under the Gyanpali panchayat. During a local football tournament on Thursday evening, a dispute broke out between two groups. Organising committee member Amit Minj (28) and his associate Birendra Kisan (41) allegedly attacked fellow member Jaleswar Lakra with a knife, striking him in the stomach.
Witnesses reported that Amit and Birendra, along with 14 others, confronted Jaleswar following a long-standing land dispute. After the stabbing, Jaleshwar’s younger brother rushed him home to arrange medical help. However, the group allegedly tried to break into his house to finish the attack. A locked iron gate prevented entry, and the assailants fled when local police received a call.
Jaleswar was taken in critical condition to Rajgangpur CHC, then shifted to Rourkela and later to VIMSAR Burla for advanced treatment. His mother lodged a formal complaint at the Kutra police station on Friday, prompting police to register a case.
Police arrested Amit and Birendra and produced them in court on Saturday. Fourteen others remain at large. Family members accused police of failing to apprehend the remaining suspects despite their involvement. On the other hand, Amit filed a counter-complaint against Jaleswar and Surendra Lakra, raising questions about the pace of the investigation.
