Puri: In a shocking incident, Magistrate of an election flying squad Rabi Narayan Patra was allegedly attacked while conducting raid in Pipili MLA Pradeep Maharathy’s farmhouse at Hunkeipur here late last night.
According to reports, 15 members of the flying squad, a Static Surveillance Team (SST) and a videography team reached the legislator’s farmhouse on getting information from reliable sources about distribution of money and liquor to influence voters ahead of third phase polls on April 23.
As soon as the team reached the place at around 12:30 am, they were insulted and allegedly attacked by Pradeep Maharathy and his supporters, alleged the Magistrate. Patra has sustained injuries on his waist.
ASI Binay Kumar Das, a driver and two cameramen were also injured in the attack. Moreover, the flying squad’s camera equipments were also damaged by the miscreants. The team fled the spot in order to save their lives and left one of the vehicles behind, stated reports.
While the injured persons have been admitted to Capital Hospital for treatment, Puri SP Umashankar Dash has initiated a probe into the matter. Puri Collector Jyoti Prakash Das also assured strict action against the wrong-doers after inspection of the video footage. “On the basis of the statement by the injured flying squad team members, police have registered a case. Statements of the victims have been recorded and the investigation is underway,” Das said.
The Pipili Assembly constituency, a segment under the Puri Lok Sabha seat, will go to polls in the third phase on April 23.