Malkangiri: A Panchayat Executive Officer (PEO) was allegedly assaulted by a beneficiary of Pradhan Mantri Awas Yojana-Gramin (PMAY-G) in Bonda Ghati region of Khairput block in Odisha’s Malkangiri district.
Speaking to the media, the PEO of Mudulipada Panchayat, Bijay Kumar Panda, said that the incident took place while he visited Dantipada village even on a holiday to follow up on the ongoing construction work under the government housing scheme on instructions from the district administration. “I came acro
ss some people, who were in an inebriated state, as I was leaving after inspecting the works. One among them attacked me with a knife,” he said.
As the PEO tried to flee the spot, the accused also pelted him with stones. “I have informed the Khairaput Block Development Officer (BDO) about the incident and lodged a written complaint at the Mudulipada police station,” he added.
According to sources, one of the assailants, identified as Mudra, allegedly demanded an additional house under the scheme. When Panda informed him that he had already received a house and was ineligible for another, the exchange escalated into an argument and culminated in the attack.
Police confirmed that an investigation is underway to identify and apprehend all those involved in the incident.
Bonda Ghati, located around 80 km from Malkangiri town and home to the Bondatribe — a Particularly Vulnerable Tribal Group (PVTG) — is known for its dense forests and relatively isolated communities. The area has seen government pushes for housing and development, including recent efforts under PMAY and related initiatives to provide pucca houses to tribal households.