BALANGIR: Police were caught unawares when a youth jumped the barricade and threw a black flag after Chief Minister Naveen Patnaik got down from the chopper in Balangir.
In the melee that ensued, a DSP-ranked officer fell down. Police, though, managed to overpower the youth and he was thrashed by a group of cops present at the helipad.
Addressing people at Dahimal in Gudvela block, Naveen said his Government was working to resolve the problems of the region. He also dedicated a mega lift irrigation project at Gudvela block, set up at a cost of `13.26 crore, besides a 100-bed girls hostel at Sikalpadar TRW School. The Chief Minister also laid foundation for seven development projects, including 33/11 KV grid station, mini stadium at Titlagarh, a high-level bridge over river Lanth, drinking water project for Belgaon at the meeting venue.
The Balangir Police detained 24 BJP workers at Milan Chowk at Tusra while they were on their way to the meeting. Four Congress workers were also detained and later released.