Sindhekela: An RTI activist was critically injured after being allegedly attacked by unidentified assailants while travelling on his electric scooter in Balangir district on Thursday, police said.
The victim, identified as Surath Behera of the Kantabanji area, was assaulted on the Bhursaguda-Kuhura road under Sindhekela police station limits. The attack reportedly took place near a newly constructed panchayat building along an isolated stretch of the road.
The attackers are suspected to have chosen the spot because of its poor road condition and limited movement of people, although the circumstances and motive behind the assault are yet to be established.
Following information about the incident, Sindhekela police reached the spot and initiated an investigation. Local residents rescued Behera and shifted him by ambulance to Sindhekela Hospital. His condition was stated to be critical due to the severity of his injuries.
The incident has once again raised concerns over attacks on RTI activists in Odisha. In October last year, RTI activist Subash Chandra Pradhan was allegedly assaulted in an organised attack in the Bhograi area of Balasore district after reportedly raising his voice against corruption. In May this year, another RTI activist sustained injuries in a sword attack near National Highway-55.
Police are yet to ascertain the motive behind Thursday’s attack or identify those involved.
