Debagada: Tension prevailed in Debagada town on Wednesday after family members and local residents staged a road blockade near Rajamunda, placing the body of a youth who died during treatment at VIMSAR, Burla, on the road and demanding action against those allegedly involved in his assault.
The deceased was identified as Hadu Naik.
According to reports, Hadu was among five to six persons who were allegedly assaulted by a group of youths in the Rajamunda area on September 20. While others managed to flee the spot, Hadu was allegedly left near the municipal Kalyan Mandap at Rajamunda after the assault.
His family members later rescued him and admitted him to the District Headquarters Hospital in Debagada. As his condition deteriorated, he was shifted to the Veer Surendra Sai Institute of Medical Sciences and Research (VIMSAR), Burla, for advanced treatment.
Hadu died at the Burla hospital on Tuesday night while undergoing treatment.
Following his death, his body was brought back to Debagada on Wednesday. His family members and local residents then staged a road blockade near Rajamunda, alleging that he had died following the assault. They placed the body on the road and demanded stringent action against those responsible.
The protesters also demanded financial assistance for Hadu’s family.
On being informed about the blockade, police from Debagada Model Police Station reached the spot. Debagada Sub-Collector Parikshit Sahu, Tehsildar Karna Mallik and Municipal Executive Officer Kalinga Asish Satapathy also reached the spot and held discussions with the protesters.
Officials appealed to the protesters to withdraw the blockade and assured them that their concerns would be looked into. Discussions were underway to resolve the situation.
