Cuttack: Panic gripped the Jagatpur area after a youth was chased and attacked by a man with a knife on Thursday. The incident occurred near the Panchamukhi Hanuman Temple under Jagatpur police limits in Cuttack and was reportedly linked to a suspected extramarital affair.

The injured youth has been identified as Sanjit Shukla, a resident of the Jagatpur area. According to reports, Sanjit was attacked near his office after the accused allegedly called him outside and assaulted him with a knife.

Sanjit sustained multiple stab injuries and collapsed at the spot. Locals rushed to his rescue and, with the help of police, shifted him to SCB Medical College and Hospital in Cuttack. His condition is reported to be critical.

Police have arrested the accused, identified as Vivekananda Bastia, and seized the knife used in the attack. He was later produced before a court.

The accused works as a petty contractor and hails from Jagatsinghpur district. He had been residing in Jagatpur for the past few years.

Preliminary investigation suggests the attack stemmed from suspicion of an extramarital relationship between the victim and the accused’s wife. Police said the accused had earlier warned the youth to stay away.

However, after allegedly discovering chats between his wife and the youth on her mobile phone, the accused reportedly became enraged. He then called Sanjit outside his office and attacked him with a knife, chasing him and attempting to stab him repeatedly.

Police have registered a case and further investigation is underway.