**Rayagada:** Utkal Bharat party chief Kharavela Swain was attacked by a youth during a roadside meeting at Kashipur in Rayagada district today.
It is evident from a video posted on the Facebook account of Swain that he was halted midway during his speech by a youth who claimed to be a local of Kashipur.
The youth demanded a proof of Police permission obtained for the meeting and questioned Swain about the purpose of his visit.
However in reply, Swain questioned his authority. It vexed the youth and he picked up a file kept on a chair nearby and hit Swain with it. Following the incident, Swain alleged he was being attacked by BJD activist.
On the other hand, talking to media, BJD’s Rajya Sabha member N Bhaskar Rao condemned the attack saying everyone has a right to speak and refuted the allegations.
BJD spokesperson Sasmit Patra stated, “In a democratic system, there is no place for violence and the BJD strongly believes in this. The attacker has been detained by the police and appropriate strong action would be undertaken against him as per law. However, it is wrong on the part of Kharabela Swain to pull each issue into a blame game against BJD.”
Meanwhile, Rayagada police has detained the accused youth identified as Sumant Nayak. The investigation is underway and strict action will be taken against the persons found guilty, said Rayagada SP Rahul P R.
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