Nuapada: Police on Monday arrested one person and detained four others in connection with the alleged assault on Block Development Officer (BDO) Rohit Bhoi inside the Nuapada block office premises.
The arrested accused has been identified as Hemanta Banjara, who was produced before a court on Monday, Nuapada Superintendent of Police Amritpal Singh said.
According to reports, the incident stemmed from a dispute over the construction of the Bhaisatal Panchayat building. Although the project was taken up in compliance with an order of the Orissa High Court, a section of locals reportedly opposed the construction.
On Monday, some miscreants allegedly entered the BDO’s office and engaged in a heated argument with him, which later escalated into a physical assault.
Following the incident, Bhoi lodged a complaint at the local police station. Acting on the complaint, a police team, including the Sub-Divisional Police Officer (SDPO), rushed to the spot and initiated an investigation. While one of the main accused has been arrested, efforts are underway to apprehend the remaining suspects.
Condemning the attack, block-level employees staged a dharna and observed a pen-down strike, demanding stringent action against those involved in the incident.
Meanwhile, construction of the Panchayat building continues at Baloda as per the High Court directive. However, opposition from some villagers over the site selection has led to recurring tensions in the area.
