Odisha: The incident involving a man’s and his female friend’s assault with sticks by a bunch of people in Odisha’s Berhampur city sparked outrage after a video of the incident went viral on social media. According to police, the incident happened on Monday night when they were on a motorcycle. They said police had been given notice that they were intercepting the motorcycle in the Bijipur area and the man was dragged onto the road and hit with sticks.
The woman who tried to protect him also sustained injuries, they said. Police said both injured were sent to MKCG Medical College and Hospital.
Police Investigation And Response
Berhampur SP Saravana Vivek M said units from Town police station, Baidyanathpur police station and Gosaninuagaon police station rushed to the scene after being notified about the incident.
Additional Director General (Law and Order) Sanjay Kumar said others had identified the accused and raids were in progress to arrest them.
VIDEO | A man and his female friend were assaulted with sticks by a group of people in Odisha’s Berhampur city. The viral video tiggered an outrage on social media.
(Disturbing visuals. Viewer discretion is advised)
(Full video available on PTI Videos – https://t.co/n147TvqRQz)… pic.twitter.com/7wwa8vXrOB
— Press Trust of India (@PTI_News) May 19, 2026
Political Perspectives On The Incident
The assault triggered political clamor after a video of the abuse went viral. In leader of opposition Naveen Patnaik criticised the government for the state’s law and order situation.
Patnaik said the state was witnessing “a chilling spectacle of anarchy” and said “goondaraj” was rampant in the state. He said the assault “was inhuman” and people across the state were shocked.
He said criminals had become “overconfident” and was questioning the police administration and state government’s handling of public safety. Patnaik said he called for stringent action against the culprits and urged the government to protect the lives of ordinary people.
