Sambalpur University Chemistry HoD Stabbed on Campus; Former Worker Reportedly Detained

Happy Paikmal | Sambalpur

Research checked: 2 November 2026 | Incident date: 30 October 2026

SAMBALPUR: Dr. Satya Narayan Sahu, head of Sambalpur University’s Chemistry Department, was injured in an alleged knife attack on the university campus on Friday, 30 October 2026. He was taken to Veer Surendra Sai Institute of Medical Sciences and Research (VIMSAR) in Burla for treatment, according to published news reports.

OTV and The Times of India reported that a former university sanitation worker had been detained for questioning. Police were examining the sequence of events and the reason for the alleged assault.

Attack reported while professor was heading to office

The Times of India placed the incident at approximately 9.30 am. Its account, attributed to police, said the professor was approaching his office when the accused confronted him. Sahu reportedly attempted to defend himself but sustained an abdominal injury.

The report identified the accused as 26-year-old Krupasindhu Bag. OTV used the name Krupa Bag and described him as a former contractual sanitation worker.

Treatment at VIMSAR

OTV’s report, published on the evening of 30 October, said Sahu was in a stable condition at the time of reporting. OrissaPOST’s coverage on 31 October separately cited university authorities as saying he was out of danger.

These accounts describe his condition at those reporting times. They should not be read as a fresh medical update on 2 November, and the material reviewed does not establish that he has been discharged.

Employment dispute examined as possible motive

The Times of India quoted Additional Superintendent of Police Ajay Kumar Mishra as saying the accused had been removed from his departmental job following allegations of inappropriate behaviour.

OrissaPOST described the worker as suspended and reported that investigators suspected resentment over the employment action as a possible explanation. That motive had not been established. The differing descriptions of his employment status also warrant caution: the reviewed sources do not provide an authoritative employment record.

Reports differ on accused’s status

While OTV and The Times of India reported detention on 30 October, The New Indian Express’s coverage dated 31 October described the accused as absconding. This discrepancy could not be resolved from the sources reviewed.

Accordingly, detention is attributed here to the outlets that reported it. It should not be presented as independently confirmed current custody status, a formal arrest, or a finding of guilt.

University confirms professor’s role

Sambalpur University’s official Chemistry Department page lists Dr. Satya Narayan Sahu as Professor and Head. It places the department at the university’s Jyoti Vihar campus in Burla.

Further verified information from police or the hospital is needed to establish the latest investigative and medical position. Allegations against the accused remain subject to investigation and due process.

Sources

1. OTV, 30 October 2026: https://odishatv.in/odisha/sambalpur-university-chemistry-dept-hod-stabbed-by-former-contractual-worker-accused-detained-12768777
2. The Times of India, 30 October 2026: https://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/city/bhubaneswar/sambalpur-university-professor-stabbed-on-campus-accused-detained/amp_articleshow/135362070.cms
3. OrissaPOST, 31 October 2026: https://www.orissapost.com/sambalpur-varsity-professor-stabbed/
4. The New Indian Express, 31 October 2026: https://www.newindianexpress.com/states/odisha/2026/Oct/31/sambalpur-university-professor-stabbed-by-former-sweeper-on-campus-injured
5. Sambalpur University, official Chemistry Department page: https://www.suniv.ac.in/department-details.php?url=chemistry