BERHAMPUR: Twenty-four hours after the brutal assault of a couple in full public glare in Berhampur, it has emerged that it was meticulously planned by the gang of anti-socials who cordoned off the Giri Road area while police remained completely clueless.
Even as the incident sent shockwaves and drew widespread outrage, the criminals continued to evade police while Umesh Ratha, the victim, has been shifted to Visakhapatnam in a critical condition. Police claimed both the attackers and the victim have criminal backgrounds and shared a hostile past.
Umesh (23) of Gosaninuagaon had gone to a roadside eatery along with his fiancée Gayatri when around eight persons arrived at the spot. Six of them reportedly surrounded the area and two began assaulting him. The incident unfolded in a crowded commercial area but not one person intervened.
The attackers fled after leaving Umesh and his fiancée unconscious at the spot. Police reached the scene after the whole incident had passed and shifted both the victims to MKCG Medical College and Hospital. Berhampur SP Saravana Vivek M visited the spot as well as the hospital.
Umesh’s mother lodged a complaint at Town police station late on Monday night, following which a case was registered against five persons who are currently absconding. The accused are Mogli, Raj Malhotra, Dinesh, Mahesh Sahu and his brother Asish, police said.
Multiple police teams have been formed to trace and arrest the accused. CCTV footage from the area is being examined and raids are underway at several locations.
Police said that Umesh is a history-sheeter and has 15 criminal cases against him at various police stations in Berhampur, including attempt to murder and extortion. He was apparently member of a criminal gang, led by one Santoo and had several violent clashes with members of another gang, led by Mogli, resulting in multiple cases against both sides. He was arrested in different cases, lodged in jail and later released on bail.
In January, Umesh had reportedly assaulted Mahesh, a member of the Mogli gang, leaving him seriously injured. A few days later, he reportedly stabbed another member of the group, leading to two more cases against him.
Police said his rivals were allegedly waiting for an opportunity to target him. Eyewitnesses said after Umesh slumped to the ground, Asish repeatedly struck him on the head and back, while Mahesh targeted his knees and ankles. During the assault, Umesh’s fiancée made repeated attempts to shield him and sustained injuries in the process.
Umesh was shifted by his family to a hospital in Visakhapatnam on Tuesday where he is currently undergoing treatment. The victim’s mother also alleged that the attackers enjoyed the support of an MLA and claimed they attempted to sexually assault Umesh’s fiancée during the incident before fleeing.