Cricket match turns violent, leads to near-fatal attack in Odisha

Two youths were left critically injured in Odisha’s Balasore on Sunday after an attack over a feud arising out of a reported cricket match.

The unprecedented scenario unfolded in the Rupsa area of Balasore district where a group of five youths armed with iron rods and knives attacked another group, leaving two critically injured.

As per reports, a group of youngsters from Rupsa went to play cricket in the nearby Pinchhabania village on Saturday, where an altercation initially began over alleged mean commentary.

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The situation worsened when, on their way back, a verbal dispute broke out between the Rupsa group and some local youths over the comments made during the game.

Although the situation was initially resolved, tensions had reportedly not died out. In an act of likely vengeance, five individuals arrived on three motorcycles and launched a sudden and brutal attack on four youths when they were playing cricket in Rupsa.

As per sources, the bike-borne assailants carried iron rods and brandished knives, launching a deadly assault using the weapons soon after.

The attack left two youths critically injured. While one of the injured persons was admitted to Balasore District Headquarters Hospital, the other was transferred to SCB Medical College and Hospital in Cuttack.

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The reasons behind the escalation and the attackers' motives remain unclear. Till the last report came in, police had reached the scene and initiated an investigation.