Berhampur: The prime accused in the brutal assault of a youth on Giri Road in Odisha’s Berhampur was injured in a police encounter late Wednesday night.

The accused, identified as Mukesh Sahu, was allegedly involved in the attack on Umesh Rath and his fiancée Gayatri Patra on May 18. The incident had triggered widespread outrage after a video of the assault went viral on social media.

Umesh and Gayatri were attacked in public view by a group of miscreants armed with sticks. The assailants allegedly assaulted the couple mercilessly over a previous enmity. Umesh sustained fractures in both legs, while Gayatri suffered injuries while trying to save him.

Police said Mukesh Sahu, who had been absconding after the incident, was traced to the Golanthara police station area based on information obtained from two arrested accused. Mukesh has been admitted to a hospital for treatment.

Earlier, police had arrested two accused, identified as Lingaraj Samal alias Rinku of Sriramnagar and Raj Malhotra of the Baidyanathpur police station area. Both were produced before a court.

Police said two scooters, a bamboo stick and a mobile phone were seized from the accused persons. Several criminal cases are pending against the arrested accused at different police stations.

Raids are continuing to nab the remaining accused involved in the case.