Balasore: A journalist working for an Odia newspaper was injured critically in an attack by two people here in this district Saturday.
Although no exact reason for the attack is known, previous enmity is suspected to be the reason for the brutal attack. The injured journalist has been identified as Radhakrushna Sahu.
Sources said the incident occurred when Sahu was on way to distribute newspapers to hawkers. Meanwhile, two miscreants, believed to have been waiting for him, attacked him with a sword and fled.
The block correspondent sustained injuries on four fingers and right thigh. Passersby rushed him to the Baliapal Community Health Centre (CHC). After preliminary treatment he was shifted to Rupsa CHC after his condition deteriorated.
Police reached the spot and launched a probe. One of the attackers was identified as Ayaskant Sahu, a resident of Chatua area in Baliapal.
“I was attacked by Ayaskant and his friend while going to distribute newspapers,” Sahu said, adding that the duo had attacked him over financial issues.
Ayaskant’s father had borrowed money from several people but did not return it. Later, the creditors asked me for help, and I helped them in getting back their money with interest.
When I put pressure on Ayaskant and his father to refund the borrowed money, they had promised before police to clear the loan. So they attacked me, Sahu said. Meanwhile, the police have launched a manhunt to nab the two who are on the run.
PNN
