Four stabbed with knives for refusing to pay extortion in Bhadrak

At least four persons, including a transport owner, were rendered critical after they were allegedly stabbed with knives over an extortion bid in Bhadrak. The condition of two of the injured deteriorated so much that they had to be referred to Cuttack-based SCB Medical College and Hospital.

Sources said, the incident occurred at around 10:30 PM on Wednesday at Bhadrak bus-stand. Two vehicles of P. Basu loaded with eggs from Andhra Pradesh, were stationed in Bhadrak bus stand. Meanwhile, three local ‘goons’ approached the drivers of the vehicles in an intoxicated condition and demanded money from them.

When refused, the goons took out sharp-edged weapons and knives and attacked the two drivers. On being informed, P. Basu rushed to the spot with his nephew and tried to diffuse the tension. However, the confrontation reportedly escalated, with the intoxicated group wielding knives, blades, and makeshift weapons, leading to serious injuries for Basu, his nephew, the driver and another auto driver who intervened to bring the situation under control.

Fearing for their safety, the injured tried to rush towards Bhadrak Town Police Station in an auto-rickshaw. However, the assailants chased them and continued to attack them before absconding with one of the victim’s two-wheeler.

“I had exported two vehicles of eggs from Andhra Pradesh. I received a call that a few goons were beating up the drivers who were from Andhra. So, I rushed to the spot and tried to diffuse the fight. However, the two miscreants instead attacked me and my nephew,” alleged P Basu, a transport owner and egg trader.

“They attacked us with knives and sharp-edged weapons. So, we tried to run to the local police station to save themselves. They attacked us until we reached the PS and fled away with my motorbike. This happened at around 10:30PM and the police did nothing,” he added. 

Meanwhile, Bhadrak police have commenced an investigation and are working to bring those responsible to justice.