Tension gripped Odisha’s pilgrimage town, Puri, after three youths were allegedly attacked by a group of miscreants in the Baliapanda area on Wednesday afternoon. The incident, believed to be linked to previous enmity, has once again raised concerns over rising criminal activities in the holy town.

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The victims have been identified as Ramesh Pradhan, Gudu Pradhan, and Nitish Behera, all of whom are residents of Baliapanda and reportedly working as auto-rickshaw drivers. Among them, Ramesh Pradhan sustained critical injuries, while Gudu and Nitish suffered minor wounds in the attack.

According to sources, the incident took place at around 4.00 PM near Prachi Chhak in Baliapanda. Four unidentified youths allegedly arrived at the spot on a Bullet motorcycle and another vehicle before launching a sudden knife attack on the trio. After carrying out the assault, the accused fled from the scene immediately.

Some locals later rescued and rushed the injured youths to Puri district headquarters hospital (DHH), where the victims are currently undergoing treatment. Doctors stated that the condition of one of the victims remains serious.

On receiving information from locals, Baliapanda police, along with the City DSP, reached the spot and initiated an investigation. Preliminary findings suggest that the knife attack may have been triggered by past rivalry between the two groups.

Police have started efforts to identify and trace the accused persons involved in the broad daylight attack. The incident has created panic among local residents and transport workers in the area.

A detailed probe into the murderous armed attack is underway. However, no comments were received either from the local police or the three victim youths in this regard.