ROURKELA: Rourkela Development Authority (RDA) chairman and former BJD minister Sarada Prasad Nayak was manhandled by some supporters of an Independent Sarpanch candidate at Jhirpani in Bisra block of Sundargarh district late on Tuesday. They alleged that Nayak was trying to bribe voters, but the BJD refuted the charge saying it was an attempt to tarnish the image of the party and its leaders and demanded action against the guilty.
Around 10.45 pm, Nayak and some local BJD leaders had gone to Jhirpani to meet party workers when supporters of the Independent candidate reached the spot and misbehaved with Nayak and used abusive language. However, Nayak did not react and was escorted away by his supporters.
Jhirpani police station IIC RN Padhi said neither any written complaint was filed nor was there any substantial evidence against Nayak.
Rourkela unit BJD president AC Mohanty described the incident as undemocratic and an attempt to tarnish the image of BJD and Nayak. He said Nayak is election in-charge of Birmitrapur Assembly segment and he was there to discuss poll issues with party workers when the incident took place. He also said those involved in the incident should be booked.