Udala, Jul 5: In a disturbing incident near the Indian Oil Petrol Pump under Udala police jurisdiction, two young men from Jalda village — Prabhakar Mallick and Ranjan Mallick — were severely assaulted by a group of six to seven individuals following a minor vehicle collision on the Udala-Baripada road.

The two youths were reportedly traveling by bike when their vehicle lightly grazed a car near the petrol pump. The altercation quickly escalated as the occupants of the car, joined by several others, allegedly began attacking Prabhakar and Ranjan on the roadside.

Eyewitnesses claim the victims were beaten mercilessly, dragged into the open, and physically assaulted, leaving them bloodied and unconscious.

One victim, carrying food for his family, had his parcels flung onto the road by the assailants. The attackers reportedly summoned their associates and family members, further escalating the violence. The assaulted youths were later rushed to Udala hospital in critical condition for emergency treatment.

Following the assault, the attackers fled the scene. Udala police have launched an investigation, and efforts are underway to identify and apprehend the culprits. Authorities are also examining CCTV footage from the area to trace the movements of those involved.

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