India, Feb. 2 -- A minor dispute escalated into a violent attack, leaving a youth critically injured in Basta area of Odisha's Balasore district today.

The victim, identified as Gagan Sethi, a resident of Kudia village, is critical and currently undergoing treatment at SCB Medical College and Hospital. As per reports, Gagan was sleeping on the Kodia bridge when two youths-Buddhiram Kisku and Kadh Kisku from neighbouring Machhia village-arrived at the spot and kicked Gagan's footwear. As a result, the footwear fell off the bridge. Enraged by the incident, Gagan reportedly hurled abuses at the two, which led to a heated argument between them.

The dispute soon escalated into a violent scuffle, during which Buddhiram and Kadh allegedly slam...