Man, female friend assaulted in public in Odisha's Berhampur; outrage after video goes viral

Leader of Opposition Naveen Patnaik criticised the Odisha government over the state's law and order situation.

Bhubaneswar: A man and his female friend were allegedly assaulted with sticks by a group of people in Odisha's Berhampur city, triggering outrage after a video of the incident went viral on social media.

The incident took place on Monday night when they were travelling on a motorcycle, police said.

The motorcycle was allegedly intercepted by a group of people in the Bijipur area, and the man was dragged onto the road and assaulted with sticks. The woman, who tried to shield him, also sustained injuries during the attack, they said.

Both injured persons were admitted to MKCG Medical College and Hospital, they added.

Additional Director General (Law and Order) Sanjay Kumar told PTI that the accused had been identified and raids were underway to arrest them.

Berhampur SP Saravana Vivek M said teams from Town police station, Baidyanathpur police station and Gosaninuagaon police station rushed to the spot after being informed about the incident.

The incident drew sharp political reactions after videos of the assault went viral.

Leader of Opposition Naveen Patnaik criticised the government over the state's law and order situation.

Patnaik said Odisha was witnessing a "terrifying spectacle of anarchy" and alleged that "goondaraj" was prevailing in the state.

Calling the assault "inhuman", he said the incident had shocked people across the state.

He further alleged that criminals had become emboldened and questioned the functioning of the police administration and the state government's handling of public safety.

Patnaik demanded strict action against those responsible and urged the government to ensure the safety of ordinary citizens.