Bhubaneswar, May 21: The prime accused in the brutal assault on a couple in Berhampur’s Giri Road area was injured during a police encounter carried out by Berhampur Town Police on Tamana Road late Wednesday night.

According to police sources, the accused, identified as Sahu, sustained bullet injuries to both knees and one hand during the operation. He was immediately shifted to MKCG Medical College and Hospital for treatment, where his condition is stated to be stable.

Police said the encounter was part of an intensified crackdown following the shocking assault incident that had triggered widespread public outrage across the city. Authorities have already arrested two other accused in the case — Raj Malhotra and Lingaraj Samal.

During the investigation, police recovered two scooters, a stick allegedly used in the assault, and a mobile phone from the possession of the accused persons.

The incident had taken place on the night of May 18 when victim Umesh Rath was travelling on a scooter with a female friend through Giri Road. A group of assailants allegedly intercepted them, dragged Rath onto the road and brutally assaulted him with sticks in public view.

Rath, who suffered critical injuries, is currently undergoing treatment at a hospital in Visakhapatnam.

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