Odisha youth injured in catapult attack by suspended police constable

A youth sustained grievous injuries after allegedly being attacked by suspended police constable in Khadiapada area under Kolabira police station in Jharsuguda district on Wednesday.

According to sources, the suspended cop, identified as Iswar Mahananda, attacked the youth with a catapult and fled the spot.

Mahananda was initially posted at OSAP sixth battalion in Cuttack and was suspended a year ago for his unruly behaviour.

The youth, who sustained injuries in the attack, was first admitted to Kolabira hospital and later shifted to Jharsuguda District Headquarters Hospital (DHH) after his health condition deteriorated, sources added.

Though the exact reason behind the attack in not known, it is suspected to be a fallout of a land dispute.

“Two persons came to me and started an argument. Before I could understand anything, Mahananda attacked me with catapult in which I sustained head and neck injuries,” the victim said.

Meanwhile, the police have launched a manhunt to nab the suspended constable and seize the catapult used in the attack.

Earlier, reports surfaced that the youth sustained bullet injuries. However, Jharsuguda SP confirmed it to be a catapult attack.