Sword-Wielding Gang Unleashes Terror at Bhubaneswar Cafe
A shocking act of violence unfolded late on Monday night in Bhubaneswar, as a group of armed criminals attacked people with swords and vandalized vehicles outside a cafe in the Patrapada area under Tamando police limits. The brazen assault left two men injured and three cars damaged, sparking public outrage and raising serious concerns about law and order in the city.
Late-Night Assault Captured on CCTV
Around 11:50 PM, six men arrived on three motorcycles and launched a sudden, unprovoked attack on four individuals who were chatting outside the cafe. CCTV footage from the scene vividly captured the gang members brandishing swords and attacking indiscriminately. As the terrified victims fled for their safety, the assailants turned their aggression toward nearby vehicles, vandalizing three parked cars before speeding away on their motorcycles into the night.
Cafe Owner Lodges Police Complaint
The cafe's owner, Kabiraj Lenka, filed a formal complaint with the Tamando police station on Tuesday, naming a local resident as the prime suspect in the violent incident. "He and five or six others created havoc at my eatery," Lenka stated. "My son and his friends were inside when the attack began. They locked the cafe door to prevent entry, but the goons turned on innocent bystanders and vandalized vehicles." Notably, his complaint did not specify a possible motive for the attack, leaving authorities to investigate the circumstances.
Victim Recounts Harrowing Ordeal
One of the injured victims, Gopinath Bhujabal, shared his traumatic experience with the media. "Before we could even react, they charged at us with swords," he recounted. "My right hand was badly injured when I tried to resist their assault." His account highlights the sudden and brutal nature of the attack, which left the victims with little time to defend themselves.
Public Outrage and Police Response
The incident triggered widespread panic and anger among local residents, who have criticized the police for failing to curb rising hooliganism in the area. Sanjeet Mohanty, a businessman from Patrapada, expressed his frustration: "Criminals seem to have no fear of the law. Such brazen acts in public places erode trust and spread fear throughout society. The police must act tough to restore order."
In response, police officers have assured the public of swift action, suspecting that the attack may have stemmed from old enmity. An officer from the Tamando police station stated, "We are thoroughly reviewing the CCTV footage to identify all the culprits involved. The circumstances leading to this incident are being examined in detail. Stringent measures will be taken against those responsible to ensure justice is served."
Broader Implications for City Safety
This violent episode has reignited debates about public safety and crime prevention in Bhubaneswar. Key concerns raised by the incident include:
- The need for enhanced police patrols in vulnerable areas.
- Improved surveillance and quicker response times to emergencies.
- Community initiatives to foster trust between residents and law enforcement.
As investigations continue, residents are calling for concrete actions to prevent such terrifying events from recurring, emphasizing that public spaces must remain safe for all citizens.
