‘Mentally ill’ man goes on stabbing spree after being mocked by kids, 7 injured

Seven people, including five children, were injured when a 48-year-old man allegedly attacked them with a knife for mocking him at Banki Singti village in Deoria on Sunday night. Three of the children had to be admitted to the district hospital in a critical condition.

The accused, identified as Chchattu, used to work as a porter at Howrah station before returning to Banki Singti. “Local residents say he is mentally unstable, but we can ascertain that only after an examination,” said circle officer Varun Mishra.

Of the three critical children, a 10-year-old who suffered injuries on his arm, abdomen and chest was later referred to the BRD Medical College in Gorakhpur.

Two elderly women who tried to save the children from Chchattu’s wrath were also injured. Although the accused attempted to flee after the attack, angry residents caught hold of him and handed him over to the police.

The incident occurred when Chchattu, who was sitting outside his house that night, was mocked by children playing in the neighbourhood. He responded by fetching a knife from his house and attacking them with it.

The elderly women who suffered injuries while trying to rescue the children were identified as Kamlawati (70) and Sonbarsi (68).

Prama Shankar, senior sub inspector of Bhulwani police station, said Chchattu had been jailed in connection with the murder of a woman two years ago. Out on bail, he would often pick quarrels with his neighbours over petty issues.

“A case has been registered against Chchattu under sections 323, 324 and 336 of the Indian Penal Code,” Shankar said.