Pilgrims attacked by hired vehicle's driver in Odisha’s Jajpur; video goes viral

A group of pilgrims was attacked by the driver of the van they had hired for their travel. The driver and his associates reportedly attacked the pilgrims at Vyasanagar in Jajpur district late on Monday night. 

While the video of the shocking incident has gone viral, the police are yet to nab any of the attackers. 

According to sources, after having the darshan of Ram Lalla at Ayodhya, a group of 15 pilgrims was returning in a train. They got off at Jajpur Road station and hired a van to go to Jajpur town.  When the driver stopped his vehicle at Dala Chhak to take two more passengers, the pilgrims opposed it. Despite their opposition, the driver took them. Later, alleging discomfort, the pilgrims entered into a verbal duel with the driver. 

At Vyasanagr, the driver, who was allegedly in an inebriated state, some locals and his family members attacked the pilgrims with clubs and sharp weapons like axe. The scared pilgrims dialled 112 seeking help. Later a team from Vyasanagar Police Station reached the spot, but by then the driver as well as other attackers had fled from the spot. However, the police seized some weapons used in the crime from the spot. 

In this regard, the pilgrims have lodged a written complaint at the police station following which the police have launched a manhunt for the attackers.