Cuttack, July 28: An undertrial lodged in Choudwar Circle Jail stabbed his cellmate with a “spoon” this evening ostensibly over previous enmity.

Sources said Pramod Rout, 46, stabbed Sushil Mohanty, 37, at least twice around 6pm inside cell No. 47. Sushil was rushed to SCB Medical College and Hospital with severe stomach injuries and is likely to undergo surgery. Though his condition is now stable, he will be kept under observation for the next 24 hours, said a doctor attending to him.

A jail official said Pramod was mentally unstable and had undergone treatment. He was recently discharged and kept with other prisoners after he exhibited “good behaviour”.

Jail officials said that though they were unaware of any conflict between the two jailmates, they might have had some past enmity. “Sushil was asleep in his cell when Pramod attacked him with a spoon .We are yet to ascertain the reason behind the attack,” said jailer Subhakant Mishra.

Sushil has been lodged in Choudwar jail since May 31 for murder and the matter is under trial. Pramod is serving a life sentence for murder.

“Based on the report of Choudwar Circle Jail, we have started an investigation and a case will be registered,” said Choudwar inspector-in-charge Ajay Das.