TV
What was meant to be a time of festivity during the traditional Raja festival in Odisha turned into a tragedy in Keonjhar district, where a man brutally attacked his wife and mother-in-law with knife over a domestic dispute on Saturday.
The incident has reportedly shocked the locals of Balibarei village under Soso police station in the district.
From family dispute to bloodshed
As per reports, the accused, Harekrushna Nayak, allegedly assaulted his wife Gouri Patra and her mother Srimati Patra, with a sharp knife during a heated argument.
Sources confirmed that Harekrushna acted in a fit of rage due to ongoing disputes over custody of their children. The victims sustained critical injuries and were first rushed to Anandpur Sub-Divisional Hospital, and later shifted to SCB Medical College in Cuttack as their condition deteriorated.
A troubled marriage with a violent turn
As per reports, Harekrushna had earlier been married and later married Gouri, with whom he has two children. He had recently returned from Tamil Nadu, where he was working, and tensions reportedly escalated after his return, particularly around custody of his children and family responsibilities. Despite earlier police mediation, the conflict reignited, leading to this gruesome attack.
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"They had a family dispute, and it was solved at the police station earlier. However, it escalated again, leading to the assault," said Harekrushna's first wife.
"As the victims are currently undergoing treatment at the hospital, a police complaint is yet to be lodged in connection with the case," said Soso police station IIC Bijay Kumar Bihari.
This harrowing incident serves as a grim reminder of how domestic conflicts can escalate into life-threatening violence. The incident has not only scarred a family but cast a shadow over a festival meant to celebrate womanhood.
