NUAPADA: Block development officer (BDO) of Nuapada Rohit Bhoi was allegedly assaulted by a group of youths inside his office premises on Monday over construction of a panchayat building.
At around 9.30 pm, the youths reportedly entered the block office and attacked the BDO after accusing him of facilitating the construction of Bhainsatal gram panchayat building at Baloda.
Sources said the building was initially proposed at the panchayat headquarters Bhainsatal. However, construction is currently underway at Baloda village following directions of the Orissa High Court. The shift in location is reportedly being opposed by a section of villagers from Bhainsatal.
BDO Bhoi said after attending a grievance hearing, he was preparing to leave his office when a local leader from Bhainsatal village accompanied by around 20-25 people entered the premises. The group of villagers accused him of facilitating the court order leading to the construction of the panchayat building at Baloda.
“I clarified that I had already communicated the matter to the project officer and was not personally involved in the decision. Despite this, they continued to accuse me, and suddenly one of them slapped me,” the BDO said.
Following the incident, Bhoi lodged a complaint with the local police while employees of the block office launched a pen-down strike to protest the assault. The agitating block staff demanded adequate security for government officials. They also staged a demonstration in front of the block office, disrupting normal administrative work till evening.
Nuapada SDPO Khireswar Sahu said on basis of the BDO’s complaint, a case was registered. Police arrested the prime accused involved in the assault and produced him in court. Four other accused have been detained and are being questioned. Further investigation is underway to identify and nab others involved in the incident.
Bhainsatal sarpanch Premalal Nayak said construction of the panchayat building at Baloda was being carried out strictly as per official orders. “During reorganisation of gram panchayats in 2016-17, Bhainsatal was declared a separate panchayat and its headquarters was established at Baloda. However, residents of Bhainsatal have since been demanding that the panchayat office be set up in their village instead. Earlier this month, the Orissa High Court passed an order in favour of Baloda village,” Nayak added.