Kendrapara: Reflecting a disturbing rise in violent tendencies among today’s youth, a 17 year-old boy was brutally hacked following an argument during a volleyball game in Aul in Odisha's Kendrapara district. The incident took place in Chandiagadi panchayat, which comes under Aul police limits. The victim Rahul Manik is hospitalised in a critical condition following the extreme altercation. Police have detained the accused minor Mrutyunjay Sahu (15) - a resident of Malapatana village - along with one Prasant Das in connection with the case.

Rahul had gone to a nearby playground to play volleyball when a dispute reportedly broke out between him and Mrutyunjay. As the conflict escalated, the accused allegedly struck Rahul with a sharp weapon, striking him near the neck and causing severe injuries. Rahul was first rushed to Aul hospital. As his condition deteriorated, he was shifted to Kendrapara District Headquarters Hospital and later referred to SCB Medical College and Hospital, Cuttack, as his condition remained critical.

Fresh concern over youth aggression

"We got information about the attack around 6 pm. Prasant Das along with Mrutyunjay came over and attacked my brother. He is in the hospital in critical condition. We are clueless what to do his condition deteriorates further," Upendra Manik, the victim's brother, told mediapersons.

"We don't know what transpired on the field. All we know is that he had gone to play and then a few moments later, these two guys attacked him from the back. We found him unconscious and rushed him to the hospital," shared Saraswati Manik, the victim's mother.

Meanwhile, tension gripped the area as irate villagers gathered to protest the playground assault. Police reached the spot to pacify the locals and confirmed that two persons including the accused minor are in their custody. 

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