Brahmapur: Thirteen persons were arrested by Brahmapur Sadar police for their alleged involvement in mob violence at Kukudakhandi Harijan Sahi on September 14. The suspects illegally confined a person, obstructed police officers from doing their duties, and damaged government property during the incident.
An armed group of around 8–10 persons arrived at Kukudakhandi Bauri Sahi on motorcycles at around 4 pm on September 14, allegedly carrying deadly weapons, including swords, and hurled two jute bombs, triggering panic in the locality. Sunil Mohan Patnaik
An armed group of around 8–10 persons arrived at Kukudakhandi Bauri Sahi on motorcycles at around 4 pm on September 14, allegedly carrying deadly weapons, including swords, and hurled two jute bombs, triggering panic in the locality.
Local residents reportedly apprehended two members of the group along with two vehicles.
One of the apprehended persons was severely assaulted, while another was confined inside a community room. When police reached the spot after receiving information, a mob allegedly obstructed the personnel from carrying out the rescue and emergency operation.
The mob reportedly pelted stones at the police vehicle, damaging it, and threatened and abused police personnel.
One of the persons remained locked inside the community room until around 2 am, following which senior police officers, additional forces and the Executive Magistrate-cum-Tahasildar, Kukudakhandi, intervened and rescued him.
He was subsequently shifted to MKCG Medical College and Hospital, Brahmapur, for treatment.
The case was registered at Brahmapur Sadar police station on September 15 on the basis of FIR lodged by IIC Suchitra Parida. Police invoked various sections of the BNS and the Prevention of Damage to Public Property Act.
Three related cases were also registered in connection with the chain of incidents, including the alleged attack on a person, bomb-hurling by the armed group and the alleged assault of an apprehended gang member by the mob.
During the investigation, police visited the spot, examined witnesses, recorded statements and prepared a spot map.
Thirteen persons allegedly involved in mob violence, obstruction of police duty and illegal confinement have been arrested and forwarded to the court. Further investigation into all the cases is underway.
Brahmapur Police appealed to the public to maintain peace and law and order and refrain from taking the law into their own hands.
Police warned that stringent legal action would be taken against those involved in mob violence or obstruction of police personnel in the discharge of their duties.
