Sonepur: In an act of hooliganism, a group of miscreants mounted a daylight attack on the Chairperson of Tarbha Block, a local sarpanch and a samiti member when they were proceeding to lodge a complaint about block-level irregularities in Odisha’s Sonepur district.
As per information, the shocking incident took place in full public view on August 12. The incident triggered widespread outrage after video footage of the attack surfaced.
The visuals showed several people armed with sticks and iron rods intercepting vehicles in the middle of the road and mounting a violent assault. The attackers could be seen repeatedly hitting the vehicle with sticks and rods from all directions. At least one vehicle suffered extensive damage in the attack.
Eyewitnesses said the attackers blocked the road and forced the vehicles to stop before launching the attack.
The victims were reportedly travelling in four vehicles to meet the district collector to submit a complaint regarding alleged irregularities in Tarabha Block administration when the miscreants unleashed terror midway.
Visibly shaken by the attack, the victims said if elected representatives can be assaulted in such a manner in broad daylight one can imagine the condition of common people. They told the media that they informed the police about the incident and sought action against the attackers.
While an investigation has been launched based on the complaint lodged by the victims, police are yet to establish the identities of the attackers. The administration is also reviewing the video footage to identify the culprits.
Police said security has been stepped up in the area following demands from local leaders for protection of public representatives who speak out against irregularities.
The incident has raised serious questions about the state of law and order in the district. The incident has been described as an attempt to intimidate those raising issues of corruption and mismanagement.