Journalist Critically Injured in Knife Attack at Papadahandi, Accused Nabbed

Nabarangpur: A journalist sustained grievous injuries after being attacked with a knife by a youth in Papadahandi village of Nabarangpur district late Friday night.

The victim has been identified as Sumit Kumar Ghanta, a resident of Papadahandi. He was first rushed to the Papadahandi Community Health Centre and later shifted to the Nabarangpur District Headquarters Hospital. Doctors later referred him to Visakhapatnam for advanced treatment.

According to police sources, the assailant, identified as Harekrushna Behera of Banka Sahi, allegedly attacked Sumit around 11 pm while the latter was returning home from Nabarangpur. Behera, reportedly under the influence of alcohol, assaulted the journalist following an altercation.

Sumit sustained multiple stab wounds on his stomach, chest, and hands. Local residents, who rushed to the spot, rescued him and overpowered the attacker. In retaliation, they also thrashed Behera before handing him over to police.

Both the injured were admitted to the District Headquarters Hospital for treatment. Police have launched an investigation into the incident.