Viral Video Shows Odisha Youth Being Assaulted Before Alleged Abduction; Missing For Five Days
According to the victim's family, Gouranga was allegedly attacked by a group of men following a dispute related to the alleged vandalism of a vehicle.
Bhubaneswar: A disturbing video purportedly showing a young man being brutally assaulted before his alleged abduction has triggered outrage in Odisha's Kendrapara district, where the victim has remained missing for the past five days.
The incident was reported from Mahadeipatana village under Aul police limits. The missing youth has been identified as Gouranga Sethi.
According to the victim's family, Gouranga was allegedly attacked by a group of men following a dispute related to the alleged vandalism of a vehicle. A complaint in connection with the incident was lodged at Aul Police Station on May 29.
The video, which has since gone viral on social media, allegedly shows several individuals tying the victim's hands and legs before repeatedly assaulting him with sticks. The authenticity of the footage could not be independently verified.
Family members claimed that Gouranga was taken away after the assault and has not been seen since. His disappearance has heightened fears about his safety, with relatives expressing concern over whether he is still alive.
"Fifteen to sixteen persons allegedly beat my son mercilessly. He repeatedly asked for water, but nobody responded. Many villagers witnessed the incident, yet no one came forward to help him. Since then, he has remained untraceable," said Arun Kumar Sethi, the victim's father.
His mother, Jhulana Sethi, said the family has been living in uncertainty since the incident.
“Our son's condition was extremely critical. He kept asking for water, but nobody paid attention. We do not know where he is or whether he is alive or dead,” she said.
The family urged authorities to intensify efforts to trace the missing youth and identify those responsible for the alleged assault and abduction.
Police have registered a case and launched an investigation. However, no official statement detailing the progress of the probe was immediately available.
The incident has sparked concern among local residents and on social media, with many calling for swift action to locate the missing youth and ensure accountability if the allegations are substantiated.