Odisha contractor assaulted for not paying Rs 50 lakh extortion to Sarpanch

Serious allegations of assault and violence have been levelled against Jakhapura Sarpanch Arun Jyoti Samal. As per the allegations, Samal and his supporters assaulted a contractor and his brother for refusing to pay ‘chanda’ (extortion) of Rs 50 lakh.

The concerned contractor Prasanjit Nayak’s brother and some of his staff have sustained multiple injuries in the attack by a mob of 20 persons allegedly led by the Jakhapura Sarpanch. As per reports, Nayak is carrying out some contractual works at a factory.

The Jakhapura Sarpanch under Jajpur District had allegedly demanded the extortion of Rs 50 lakh from the contractor. Following the incident, Nayak had lodged a complaint against the Sarpanch some three days back. Later, the Sarpanch along with his supporters allegedly stormed into the contractor’s camp and tried to kill him by hurling a petrol bomb. The entire incident has been captured in the CCTV.

“Two days back, the Sarpanch had demanded Rs 50 lakh and threatened to kill me. He (sarpanch) has been mentally harassing me and there is also a threat to my life,” said the victim contractor.

The contractor’s family and other local residents had also staged a demonstration in front of the police station demanding action against those involved in the attack.

Kalinganagar Additional SP, S.O. Toppo said, “We have registered a case and seven persons have already arrested. An investigation is currently on and we will take appropriate action against all those whose involvement will be ascertained.”

(Reported by Janmajay Dash)