Father attacked for defending daughter: Man's throat slashed by alleged stalker

Balasore: A 52-year-old man was brutally attacked and his throat slashed after he opposed an alleged stalker’s unwanted advances towards his 15-year-old daughter in Bhadrak district’s Kunchagadia village on Wednesday.The victim has been identified as Rajendra Rout. The accused, Alok Behera, 29, of Bishnubindha village, was apprehended later from Basudevpur market, police said.According to reports, Behera had been pursuing the Class IX student for some time, despite repeated warnings from her father to stay away. The family had disapproved of his one-sided affection and harassment.The confrontation turned violent on Wednesday when Rout accompanied his daughter to her tuition class.

Police sources said the accused, who was lying in wait, approached the girl again. An enraged Rout confronted and reprimanded Behera.“In a shocking turn of events, the accused, who appeared to have come prepared, pulled out a sharp weapon from his pocket and slit Rout’s throat,” a police officer stated.The brutal assault left Rout critically injured and bleeding profusely, while the assailant fled, abandoning his motorcycle nearby.

Locals rushed to the victim’s aid and informed police. A team from Basudevpur police station reached the spot, seized the motorcycle, and launched a manhunt to apprehend the accused. Rout was rushed to the Basudevpur community health centre in an 108 ambulance, where his condition remains critical.“A case has been registered following an FIR lodged by the victim’s wife. An investigation has been initiated,” said a senior police officer.