Bhubaneswar, Dec 28:
A shocking sword attack in the heart of Odisha’s capital has once again exposed glaring lapses in the Commissionerate Police’s law-and-order management, leaving two youths critically injured and criminals still at large.
The violent incident took place under the Kharavela Nagar police station limits at a private mart in the Satyanagar area, where a New Year celebration was underway. The attack turned a festive gathering into a blood-soaked scene, highlighting what many now call a complete breakdown of preventive policing.
According to sources, an argument broke out between the victims — Umesh Sethi and Amar Sahu, both delivery staff at the mart — and three youths during the party. Though the attackers initially fled, they returned shortly after, armed with swords and sharp weapons, and launched a brutal assault.
Umesh Sethi suffered severe abdominal injuries, with internal organs reportedly exposed, while Amar Sahu was injured while trying to save him. Despite the prolonged nature of the incident, no police patrol was present in the area, raising serious concerns over the surveillance in the city.
Local residents and staff allege that the police response was delayed, giving the attackers enough time to escape. The injured were shifted to Capital Hospital.This is not an isolated case. Just a day earlier, a similar sword-wielding incident was reported in the Nayapalli police station area, where another youth was grievously injured. The back-to-back incidents have triggered public outrage and fear, especially when violent crimes are occurring openly in crowded localities.
Public Safety Under Threat
Residents say the city no longer feels safe after dark. “If such attacks can happen during a public gathering, what protection do ordinary citizens have?” asked a locals.
