Berhampur assault case: Accused Mukesh Sahu shot in foot while fleeing police custody
Synopsis
A key accused in the Berhampur public assault case allegedly snatched a police pistol and opened fire during a custodial transfer near Tamana Ghati — and was shot in the foot in return. With two other accused already arrested and a viral video fuelling public outrage, the case has put Odisha's law-and-order machinery under sharp scrutiny.
Key Takeaways
Accused Mukesh Sahu sustained bullet injuries to his foot after allegedly snatching a police pistol and firing at personnel during a custodial transfer near Tamana Ghati on Wednesday night .
IGP Niti Shekhar confirmed police used controlled firing in self-defence.
Raj Malhotra and Lingaraj Samal (alias Rinku) were arrested on Wednesday for their alleged roles in the Giri Road assault .
Both Malhotra and Samal have two pending cases each under the IPC and BNS at Berhampur police stations.
Victim Umesh Rath and his fiancée were attacked near an eatery on Giri Road, Berhampur on Monday evening ; a video of the assault went viral on social media.
A key accused in the Berhampur public assault case, identified as Mukesh Sahu, sustained bullet injuries to his foot late on Wednesday night after allegedly snatching a police pistol and attempting to escape during a custodial operation, Niti Shekhar, Inspector General of Police (IGP), Southern Range, confirmed on Thursday. The incident occurred when a police team was escorting Sahu to the hideout of one of his associates near Tamana Ghati.
How the Escape Attempt Unfolded
According to IGP Niti Shekhar, Sahu allegedly snatched the service pistol of an Assistant Sub-Inspector while being led to the associate's location and opened fire at police personnel before attempting to flee. Police responded with controlled firing in self-defence, during which Sahu was shot in the foot. Shekhar warned that stringent legal action would be taken against all anti-social elements involved in criminal activities.
Earlier Arrests in the Assault Case
The Berhampur Police had on Wednesday arrested two other accused — Raj Malhotra and Lingaraj Samal, alias Rinku — for their alleged roles in the brutal assault on a couple on Giri Road, Berhampur, on Monday night. According to police sources, Malhotra was reportedly present at the scene and assisted the main perpetrators, while Samal allegedly conspired with the group and provided them shelter. Both Malhotra and Samal have two cases each pending against them under various sections of the Indian Penal Code (IPC) and the Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita (BNS) at different police stations in Berhampur.
The Original Attack on Giri Road
The chain of events began on Monday evening when a youth, identified as Umesh Rath, and his fiancée were standing near an eatery on Giri Road in Berhampur. A group of miscreants allegedly attacked and brutally assaulted Rath over a reported past enmity. His fiancée also sustained injuries while attempting to intervene and protect him. A video of the assault circulated rapidly on social media, triggering widespread public concern over the law-and-order situation in Odisha.
Broader Implications for Law and Order
The viral footage of the Giri Road assault has intensified scrutiny of policing in the Southern Range of Odisha. This is not an isolated incident — Berhampur has seen a series of high-profile crime incidents in recent years, prompting calls for stronger preventive policing. The custodial escape attempt by Sahu adds another layer of concern, raising questions about security protocols during suspect transfers. IGP Shekhar's public warning signals that authorities are under pressure to demonstrate accountability and swift action.
Point of View
As stated by IGP Shekhar, is internally consistent, but the sequence of events will invite scrutiny: why was a 'dreaded criminal' moved with insufficient restraint? Separately, the viral video of the Giri Road assault has done what formal crime statistics rarely do — made law and order a visceral public issue in Odisha. The speed of the arrests suggests institutional responsiveness, but the custodial incident risks undermining that narrative.
NationPress
5 Aug 2026
Frequently Asked Questions
Who is Mukesh Sahu and why was he arrested?
Mukesh Sahu is a key accused in the brutal public assault on a couple on Giri Road in Berhampur on Monday night. He was arrested in connection with the attack on Umesh Rath and his fiancée, which was reportedly carried out over past enmity.
How did Mukesh Sahu get shot during police custody?
According to IGP Niti Shekhar, Sahu allegedly snatched the service pistol of an Assistant Sub-Inspector during a custodial transfer near Tamana Ghati and opened fire at police personnel. Police responded with controlled firing in self-defence, injuring Sahu in the foot.
Who else has been arrested in the Berhampur assault case?
Raj Malhotra and Lingaraj Samal, alias Rinku, were arrested on Wednesday. Malhotra allegedly assisted the main attackers at the scene, while Samal reportedly conspired with the group and sheltered them. Both have multiple prior cases pending at Berhampur police stations.
What happened to the victims of the Giri Road assault?
Umesh Rath was attacked near an eatery on Giri Road in Berhampur on Monday evening by a group allegedly acting over past enmity. His fiancée also sustained injuries while trying to protect him. A video of the assault went viral on social media, sparking widespread concern.
What action has the Odisha police announced following these incidents?
IGP Niti Shekhar publicly warned of stringent legal action against all anti-social elements involved in criminal activities. Multiple arrests have been made and the investigation is ongoing.
