Berhampur, July 17: Sadar Police have arrested five persons in connection with an alleged attempt to murder a youth at Pandiajholi village under Berhampur Sadar police limits in Berhampur.
The accused — Papu Behera (24), Alaya Kumar Behera (27), Santosh Behera alias Bapa (32), Saroj Kumar Behera alias Raghu alias Kalia (20), and Debendra Mahanty (26) — all residents of Pandiajholi village, were arrested on Friday and produced before the court.
According to police, the case was registered on July 16 on the complaint of Gouri Das, whose son Sambhu Das was allegedly assaulted on the evening of July 14.
Police said Sambhu Das was returning home after going out when the accused allegedly intercepted him near the village pond, abused him, and attacked him with wooden sticks. He sustained serious head and body injuries, fell unconscious, and was later shifted to MKCG Medical College and Hospital, Berhampur, for treatment.
During the investigation, police seized three wooden sticks believed to have been used in the assault.
Preliminary investigation suggests the attack stemmed from previous enmity between the two groups. Police said an earlier case registered in November 2024 had named Sambhu Das and two others for allegedly assaulting one of the present accused. Investigators suspect the latest assault was linked to that earlier dispute after the victim reportedly approached the accused for a compromise.
The accused have also been booked for allegedly threatening the victim and his family with dire consequences if the incident was reported to the police.
Further investigation into the case is underway.
