Sonepur: Two Biju Janata Dal (BJD leaders have been arrested by the police for allegedly beating up a youth in a ‘kangaroo court’ over a social media post at a village in Odisha’s Sonepur district.
As per information, the incident was reported from Bishipada of the district. The two arrested persons have been identified as Ashok Nanda, husband of Binika block chairperson, and Narayan Luha, vice-chairman of the Birmaharajpur Block.
Sources said a youth, identified as Nitish Kumar had reportedly posted some content on social media. The post allegedly targeted Ashok Nanda, who is also a known associate of MLA and former Minister Niranjan Pujari.
Nitish was allegedly summoned to the residence of Sonali Bishi and thrashed there. Around 15 men, said to be close to Nanda and affiliated with the BJD, convened an informal ‘kangaroo court’ and brutally assaulted Nitish. Video footage of the incident shows the youth being thrashed.
It was claimed that the video also featured several BJD men forcing the youth to tender an apology, which was subsequently recorded and shared on social media,.
Following the incident, Nitish lodged a complaint at Birmaharajpur police station. Earlier, nine people involved in the attack were also arrested based on Nitish’s complaint.
The incident and subsequent arrest made by the police triggered tension in the area as many supporters of those taken into custody staged a protest at Biramaharajpur police station.
