An attempt to sacrifice a child at Gaurpali village under Sasan police station limits, 20 km from the district headquarters, has spread further panic in Sambalpur district, where people are already reeling under a spate of robbery and kidnapping incidents. However, the child luckily escaped his attacker and is undergoing treatment in the VSSIMSAR, Burla, in critical condition.
Police arrested Panchali Pradhan, the main accused, who attempted to kill the boy Abhisek Tripathy (8) with a sharp weapon for reasons yet to be ascertained. But the villagers of Gaurpali suspect that it was an attempt for child sacrifice at the altar of goddess to get her blessing.
As per information, Panchali Pradhan and Banamali Tripathy (father of Abhishek ) are neighbors. last evening, Panchali asked the boy to come to her house. She also offered him banana to eat. The boy obeyed her. She then asked him to go to a Puja Ghara (place of worship inside home) and sit in meditation before the goddess so that the goddess will bless him.
The moment the boy sat in front of the goddess, Panchali started attacking him with a sharp weapon. The boy cried for help and his father Banamali rushed in. He found the boy with wounds on the neck and body. Soon the villagers and the victim's parents rushed the boy to the VSSIMSAR where he is admitted in the surgery ward. The boy's condition is stated to be stable.
Panchali, who was arrested, meanwhile, has not divulged about her motive. But it is further learnt from sources that the lady is mentally imbalanced.