Balod, Chhattisgarh: In a swift breakthrough, Balod Police, with assistance from the Cyber Cell, arrested six accused within 24 hours for allegedly carrying out a brutal attempted murder during a late-night home invasion in Sambalpur village under the Deori Police Station limits.
According to police, the victim, Gaukaran Sahu, was asleep inside his home with his family when a group of armed assailants allegedly forced their way into the house and attacked him with wooden sticks, clubs, and a wooden rafter. The assault left him with serious head, back, and waist injuries, and he is currently undergoing medical treatment.
During the attack, the victim’s 13-year-old daughter woke up after hearing the commotion. She reportedly saw one unidentified individual fleeing the scene from behind but was unable to identify any of the attackers due to her young age and the darkness.
Special Investigation Launched
Given the seriousness of the case, Superintendent of Police Yogesh Patel formed a special investigation team comprising officers from Deori Police Station and the Cyber Cell. Investigators also deployed a forensic team, a dog squad, and analyzed technical evidence and CCTV footage collected from multiple locations.
Based on electronic surveillance and intelligence inputs, police traced the suspects to Maroda in Bhilai, where the alleged mastermind, Bhanu Pratap Jain, was detained. During interrogation, investigators say he confessed to planning the attack, leading to the arrest of the remaining suspects.
Alleged Motive: Revenge Over a Past Dispute
Police said the attack was allegedly motivated by a personal grudge dating back nearly 18 months.
According to investigators, Bhanu Pratap Jain had previously been acquainted with the victim’s daughter. The victim, Gaukaran Sahu, allegedly objected to the relationship, summoned Bhanu Pratap and his parents to his home, and publicly insulted and verbally abused them. Police believe the accused allegedly planned the violent assault in retaliation for that incident.
How the Attack Was Executed
Investigators said that on June 30, 2026, Bhanu Pratap allegedly traveled from Bhilai with five associates on two motorcycles. Along the way, they allegedly picked up another accomplice from Baherabhatha.
After reaching Sambalpur village, two suspects reportedly remained outside the house to keep watch, while four others entered the residence and allegedly attacked the sleeping victim with wooden weapons before fleeing the scene.
Six Accused in Police Custody
Police have arrested all six accused, including five residents of Bhilai (Durg district) and one local resident. Authorities said further questioning is underway to determine whether anyone else was involved in planning or facilitating the crime.
Police Statement
Additional Superintendent of Police (ASP) Monica Thakur said the attack stemmed from an old personal rivalry and that the suspects were identified and arrested based on technical intelligence and investigative inputs.
The investigation remains ongoing, and police are expected to file additional charges as more evidence is collected.
