Koraput: Tension prevailed in Koraput town after senior Congress leader and Odisha MLA Taraprasad Bahinipati was allegedly attacked during a torchlight rally held by the party two days ago.
The procession, organised by the Koraput District unit of Congress on August 14 evening, started from Gundicha Temple and concluded at the bus stand.
Bahinipati, legislator from Jeypore in the district, was accompanied by Congress Legislature Party (CLP) leader Ramachandra Kadam and other party workers.
Sources said when the rally reached the bus stand area, one Krushna Chandra Kuldeep suddenly assaulted Bahinipati. Kuldeep was immediately overpowered by people present at the site. He was handed over to the Town Police.
Police sources said the accused has undergone a medical examination and is currently in custody for interrogation. Written complaints have been filed by Bahinipati’s PSO and also by the accused.
As per the FIR lodged, Kuldeep slapped the Congress leader in public, hurled abuses, and threatened to eliminate him. In his complaint, Kuldeep alleged that the Congress MLA and his brother were planning to kill him.
Kuldeep, who works as a khalasi at the bus stand, is now undergoing treatment at Koraput hospital and is likely to be produced before the court, sources said.
