OD-CAMPAIGN-ATTACK

An awareness camp on various schemes of the Odisha government at Gatiroutpatna Gram

Panchayat here under Cuttack Sadar block turned violent on Saturday when a woman sarpanch and her family members were

attacked by a group of ruling party activists. The camp was held under the initiative of Peoples

Empowerment Enabling Transparency and Accountability (PEETHA). In an FIR filed at the local Chauliaganj police

station, Sarpanch Laxmipriya Swain has alleged that a group of four to five persons attacked her and mercilessly thrashed her

husband and son. All the three have sustained grievous injuries in

their hands, head and face. She has alleged that the attackers were supporters of sports minister Chandra Sarathi Behera.

While I stood up to make the announcement for the distribution of LED bulbs, the group jumped on me and snatched

the bulbs. My son and husband, who were standing beside me, were also attacked when they tried to give me protection,"

Swain said adding that the attackers were armed and used the butts of their guns in the attack.

She alleged that all the attackers were contractors and close to the local BJD MLA Behera, who is a minister.

When contacted, the minister denied the allegations. Since a police complaint has been made, the police

will investigate the case and the culprits will be taken to task," he said PTI CORR AAM

JM JM