Bhadrak: An assistant sub-inspector (ASI) of police was allegedly beaten up by angry locals over reported arrest of an ‘innocent’ man in Dhamnagar area of Odisha’s Bhadrak district on Wednesday.
As per preliminary information, the incident took place at Chudakuti Bazaar of Dhamnagar in the district. It was alleged that an ASI and another police personnel had gone to arrest an accused in a case, but they took an innocent man into custody.
Angry over the incident, local residents strongly protested the action and allegedly attacked the ASI. When the police personnel accompanying the ASI tried to resist, he was also allegedly beaten up, sources said.
Locals said the man, identified as Bijay Gahana, was speaking to someone when the police suddenly reached the place and forced him to accompany them. The police personnel, who appeared to be in an inebriated state, also thrashed him.
After getting information about the incident, Dhamnagar Sub Divisional Police Officer (SDPO) rushed to the site with a team and rescued the two, who were immediately sent to hospital.
The police have detained a betel shop owner in connection with the assault. Further details are awaited.