Berhampur: A man allegedly involved in a murderous attack in Ambika Nagar here sustained injuries in a police encounter late last night.

According to reports, the accused, Jagannath Sahu alias Jaga, sustained bullet injuries during an encounter in the Bauri Sukunda area under Berhampur police district. Acting on a tip-off about his presence, a police team launched a raid to nab him.

During the operation, Jaga allegedly hurled bombs at the police team and attempted to flee the spot. In retaliation, police opened fire, injuring him. He was later admitted to the MKCG Medical College and Hospital here for treatment.

The encounter comes a day after the shocking attack on Mangala Behera in Ambika Nagar under Bada Bazar police limits. On Sunday night, Mangala was allegedly attacked with sharp weapons by Jaga and another accused, Balia. A video of the assault, which went viral on social media, showed the attackers repeatedly assaulting the victim in public.

Mangala, a resident of the Haridakhandi Jaimill area, was reportedly attacked near Ambika Nagar Square while he had gone out to eat fast food. The assailants allegedly chased him, abused him and hacked him multiple times with sharp weapons. Even as the victim pleaded for mercy, the attackers continued the assault before fleeing.

Preliminary police investigation suggested that the attack stemmed from previous enmity. Police also revealed that Mangala had recently been released on bail in a bomb attack case four days before the incident.

As per police sources, the attack on Mangala was the result of a previous rivalry between two groups allegedly involved in gambling activities in Berhampur. The feud between Mangala’s group and the Jaga-Balia group has been continuing since 2019, with several violent confrontations reported in the past.

Police said the rivalry intensified after a bomb attack on the house of Indira Sahu, a supporter of Balia, on April 25 this year. In that case, Mangala and some of his associates were arrested and later sent to jail. They were later released on bail.

Both groups have criminal backgrounds, with five to six cases registered against them in different police stations. The cases include dacoity, robbery, extortion and attempt to murder.