Crime incidents continue to rise in the Barang area in Cuttack district, with residents reporting frequent cases of abduction, robbery, gang fights, and violent assaults.
On Tuesday night, three people sustained serious injuries in a sword attack near Sana Mundali Puri Main Canal under Godisahi police outpost.
According to reports, shopkeepers Kanha Dalai (32) and Batua Lenka (34), who run small food stalls in the locality, had earlier tipped off police about illegal trade of liquor, ganja, opium, and synthetic drugs along the route. Police had seized contraband based on their information.
On Tuesday, around 11 PM, six youths allegedly involved in the drug trade stormed the area armed with swords. They attacked Kanha Dalai, leaving him bleeding heavily. When he tried to escape, the assailants also struck a nearby tea vendor and a villager.
The attackers fled towards Athagada after the assault. Police reached the spot and shifted the injured to SCB Medical College in Cuttack. Doctors confirmed their condition is critical.
Authorities launched an investigation and intensified patrolling in the area. Residents expressed fear that criminals operate with impunity in Barang, treating the locality as a safe zone.
