The prime accused in the brutal assault case involving a couple on Giri Road in Berhampur, Odisha was injured in a police encounter carried out by the Town Police on Tamana Road late Wednesday night.

The accused, identified as Mukesh Sahu, allegedly sustained bullet injuries to both knees and one of his hands during the encounter. He was later admitted to MKCG Medical College and Hospital for treatment. Police sources said Mukesh’s condition is currently stable.

According to officials, some associates of the accused are still absconding and efforts are underway to trace and arrest them. The encounter comes amid an intensified crackdown following the shocking attack that triggered widespread outrage across the city.

Earlier, police had arrested two accused in connection with the case — Raj Malhotra and Lingaraj Samal. During the investigation, police seized two scooters, a stick allegedly used in the assault and a mobile phone from their possession.

The incident had taken place on the night of May 18 in the Giri Road area of Berhampur. The victim, identified as Umesh Rath, was reportedly travelling on a scooter with his female friend when the attackers intercepted them on the road. The assailants allegedly dragged Umesh onto the street and thrashed him mercilessly with sticks in a violent public assault.

Umesh sustained critical injuries in the attack and is currently undergoing treatment at a hospital in Visakhapatnam.

Videos of the assault had gone viral on social media, sparking massive public anger and raising concerns over law and order in the city. Following the incident, police launched a special operation to identify and nab all those involved in the attack.

Also Read: Berhampur couple assault case: 2 arrested, main accused on the run

With the main accused now in police custody after the encounter, investigators are continuing their probe to determine the motive behind the attack and trace the remaining suspects linked to the case.