Berhampur, April 21: In a swift action, Berhampur Town Police arrested three individuals accused of launching a murderous assault on a local youth using a deadly weapon. The incident, which took place on April 20 near Ramlingeswar Temple, has shocked the local community.
The victim, identified as Sonu alias Dheeraj Mohan Choudhury (46), a resident of Dhamana Sahi and a contractor by profession, was seriously injured after being stabbed in the abdomen with a ‘Bhujali’ (curved knife). He was initially rushed to City Hospital and later referred to MKCG Medical College and Hospital, where he is currently undergoing treatment and reported to be stable.
The accused have been identified as Y Prakash Rao (50), son of late Y Appla Naidu, Naveen Kumar Malu (30), son of Ramakrushna Malu,B Hari Prasad (46), son of B Dharma Rao.All three hail from Kapu Street under Berhampur Town Police limits and have prior criminal records. Prakash Rao is reportedly involved in 11 previous cases, Naveen Malu in three, and Hari Prasad in two.
According to police sources, the incident was sparked by long-standing enmity related to disputes over the occupation of SSVT Cinema Ground land. On the day of the attack, the injured had visited the area to attend a local Meena Bazar. On spotting him, accused Prakash Rao and his driver, Naveen Malu, questioned his presence and began abusing him. Matters escalated when they noticed that Choudhury was accompanied by B Tirumala Rao, an old adversary of Prakash Rao.
In a sudden act of violence, Naveen Malu allegedly attacked Choudhury with a Bhujali, first striking his back and then stabbing him in the abdomen. The attack was reportedly carried out at the instigation of the other two accused.
The trio attempted to flee towards Andhra Pradesh following the incident but were intercepted and arrested by police early this morning.During the investigation, the police seized the weapon of offence (a curved Bhujali), the blood-stained clothes of the victim, and the clothes worn by the accused during the attack.
The case (Berhampur Town PS Case No. 146 dated 21.04.202)has been registered under multiple sections of the Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita (BNS)-2023 and the Arms Act. The accused have been forwarded to court today.
Further investigation is underway.
