Damoh: Residents of Samanna village in Madhya Pradesh’s Damoh district were left shocked and terrified after a brutal daylight murder in which a man allegedly killed a 16-year-old boy and then engaged in disturbing acts that eyewitnesses described as cannibalistic behaviour. The incident, which took place on Thursday afternoon, has sparked outrage and fear among locals after graphic videos recorded by bystanders began circulating in the area.
Police have arrested the accused, identified as Gudda Patel, who initially attempted to flee after the crime but was later captured by villagers and handed over to authorities.
Teen attacked while visiting sister for festival
According to police, the victim, Bharat Vishwakarma, had been on his way to visit his sister to celebrate the festival of Bhai Dooj when the attack took place. The incident occurred at around 1:30 pm when the teenager was passing through Samanna village.
Investigators said the accused allegedly ambushed the boy from behind. Eyewitnesses told police that Patel struck Bharat on the head with an iron rod, causing him to collapse on the ground.
After knocking the teenager down, the attacker reportedly continued the assault using a hammer, repeatedly striking the victim and inflicting fatal injuries.
Chief Superintendent of Police HR Pandey confirmed that the victim sustained severe head injuries during the assault.
“As soon as the boy came out, he was hit in the head and was killed. He was also hit in the head with a rod and a hammer. Gudda Patel ran away and was later arrested,” Pandey said while describing the sequence of events.
Eyewitnesses describe horrifying scenes
Residents of the village said the attack did not stop with the killing. According to eyewitness accounts, the accused allegedly behaved in a disturbing manner after the victim collapsed.
Several villagers claimed that Patel appeared to drink blood from the boy’s head and attempted to tear flesh from the body.
The shocking behaviour left onlookers stunned and frightened. Many villagers initially hesitated to approach the attacker due to fear for their safety.
Some bystanders recorded videos of the incident using their mobile phones. These clips later circulated locally, adding to the panic and outrage within the community.
Police have said they are examining the videos as part of the investigation.
Villagers chase and capture accused
After the attack, the accused attempted to flee towards nearby agricultural fields. However, villagers quickly reacted and chased him down.
Residents surrounded Patel and prevented him from escaping until police officers arrived at the scene.
Officials said that even after the police reached the location, the accused reportedly behaved aggressively and attempted to attack people nearby before he was restrained and taken into custody.
Authorities later transported him to the police station for questioning.
Victim declared dead at hospital
Following the assault, Bharat Vishwakarma was rushed to the district hospital in Damoh by local residents. However, doctors declared him dead on arrival due to the severity of the injuries he had sustained during the attack.
The sudden and violent nature of the incident has left the victim’s family devastated.
Relatives said Bharat had simply been heading to his sister’s home to celebrate Bhai Dooj and had no prior conflict with the accused.
Police officials also confirmed that initial investigations have found no evidence of any dispute between the victim and the attacker.
Accused has criminal background
During the investigation, police discovered that the accused had a history of violent crime.
Authorities said Gudda Patel had previously been imprisoned for the murder of his wife. His past criminal record has now become a key aspect of the ongoing investigation.
Officials are also considering the possibility that the accused may have been suffering from mental health issues.
Police said a medical examination could be conducted to determine whether Patel was experiencing any psychological disorder at the time of the crime.
Investigation underway
Police teams are currently recording statements from witnesses who were present during the attack.
Investigators are also analysing the videos captured by villagers to reconstruct the exact sequence of events.
Officials said further details will emerge as the investigation progresses.
The brutal killing has deeply shaken residents of Samanna village, many of whom described the incident as one of the most horrifying crimes they have ever witnessed in the area.
Authorities have assured locals that strict action will be taken and that the accused will face the full force of the law.