Bhubaneswar: Tension prevailed in Balianta on the outskirts of Bhubaneswar after villagers on Wednesday gheraoed the local police station, protesting alleged police inaction in connection with the brutal assault of a youth from Brahmanasadangi village.
The injured youth, identified as Lakshmidhar Swain, is undergoing treatment at a hospital in critical condition after he was allegedly attacked by a group of youths near Brahmanasadangi Chhak on Sunday evening. The attackers allegedly beat him repeatedly with iron rods before leaving him injured.
According to villagers, despite the incident taking place on Sunday, the Balianta police have not yet arrested the accused, triggering anger among local residents. They alleged that the police have failed to take prompt action against those involved in the attack.
A large number of villagers, including several women, gathered outside the Balianta police station and staged a protest demanding immediate arrest of the accused and justice for the injured youth. The protesters also questioned the alleged delay in police action, particularly in the wake of the recent uproar over the GRP constable Soumya mob lynching case in Balianta.
As the situation turned tense, one platoon of police force was deployed near the police station to maintain law and order. Two Additional DCPs and an ACP were present at the spot, while IICs of three police stations also reached the area.
Police officials were seen trying to pacify the agitated villagers and assured them that the accused would be arrested soon. However, the gherao and protest continued amid heightened tension on the premises of the Balianta police station.
