Bhubaneswar: A group engaged at the toll gate in Mundali thrashed a private bus owner of Chhattisgarh, his driver and pilgrims for allegedly not complying with an illegitimate demand.
According to reports, tourists in two buses had travelled upto Rameswaram and were returning back to Chhattisgarh via Odisha. Their last stop was Nandan Kanan after which the group was returning home.
Minutes after leaving Nandan Kanan, the two buses crossed Mahanadi and halted at the toll gate in Mundali where they were asked to cough up Rs 1000 for two buses.
On demanding an explanation for the amount, the toll gate employee roughed up the bus owner and then started beating him. Later a group of goons joined them and started assaulting the bus staff and passengers including women.
The goons did not stop at this. They pelted stones at the bus and damaged the front windshield and glass window panes of the bus. Police have registered a case in this connection and launched an investigation.
The incident presented a sorry picture of the ill-treatment of tourists from a neighbouring state.
“The local administration have provided shelter to the tourists at a Kalyan Mandap and buses have been arranged to send the group home,” Hemanta Kumar Swain, Sub Collector, Athagarh said.
