Couple attacked by a gang of Anti-Social: Encounter,Niti Sekhar,IGP
Manoj Kanta Dash,Odishabarta
Berhampur,(21/05/26): The couple in te Berhampur AssaultedThe incident took place on the night of May 18 on Giri Road in Berhampur. The victim, identified as Umesh Rath, was reportedly travelling on a scooter with a female friend when a group of attackers intercepted them.
Police said the accused allegedly dragged Umesh onto the middle of giri road and assaulted him with sticks in public.
The violent attack left him critically injured. He is currently undergoing treatment at a hospital in Visakhapatnam.
A video of the assault soon surfaced online and spread rapidly across social media platforms, leading to public anger and renewed concerns about law and order in Berhampur.
Earlier Arrests and Seized Evidence bypolice Before Mukesh Sahu’s encounter, police had already arrested two other accused in the case — Raj Malhotra and Lingaraj Samal.
During the investigation, officers seized:
Two scooters
A stick allegedly used in the assault
A mobile phone linked to the accused
Police officials confirmed that several suspects are still absconding and special teams are continuing raids to trace and arrest everyone connected to the attack.
Police Intensify Crackdown
Following public pressure over the viral assault video, Odisha Police launched a special operation to identify all those involved in the case.
Investigators are now trying to determine the exact motive behind the attack and whether the accused had prior links with the victim.
The incident has become one of the most discussed crime cases in Odisha this week, with many demanding strict action against those involved.
Police will soon arrest the remaining accused named in the FIR in connection with the Berhampur Giri Road assault case, Southern Range IG Niti Shekhar said on Thursday. He asserted that strict action would be taken against all those involved in the attack on a young couple.
On 18.05.2026 at about 8.30 PM near Giri Road, Berhampur, a group of persons led by Mogly @ Sandeep Sahu, due to previous enmity, wrongfully restrained and assaulted Umesh Rath also causing injuries to his fiance Gayatri Patra who tried to protect him.
Umesh Rath sustained fracture injuries on both legs.
Amulya Kumari Rath (mother of Umesh Rath), lodged a written report at Berhampur Town Police Station.
Accused arrested on 21.05.2026
1. Dinesh Kumar Panda (23 yrs), S/o Santosh Kumar Panda, Medical Bank Colony, Bapuji Nagar, PS- Nimakhandi.
2. Ashish Kumar Sahu (26 yrs), S/o Manoj Kumar Sahu, Old Christian Street, Hilpatna, PS- Gosaninuagaon.
Seized Articles:
– Scooty (OD 07 AY 8849)
– Scooty (OD 07 AK 5969)
– One Bamboo Lathi
– One OPPO K3 Android Mobile Phone
– Two Bajaj Pulsar NS motorcycles (OD 07 BD 0584 & OD 07 BD 1102)
Accused persons Lingaraj Samal @ Rinku and Raj Malhotra were earlier arrested on 20.05.2026. Further investigation is continuing to arrest other accused persons.
