Dilip Kumar

News Highlights

  • Vehicular traffic disrupted on Old Cuttack-Sambalpur road following the blockade

  • Villagers blocked the road following abduction of a youth

  • Police form two teams to investigate the case  

Athagarh: Tension prevailed at Mahakalabasta village as locals stageed a road blockade on Old Cuttack-Sambalpur road near the village here in Cuttack district on Tuesday, protesting alleged abduction of a youth of their village.

The protesters alleged that the son of the local sarpanch had allegedly kidnapped the youth identified as Rajendra Puhana.

In a fit of rage, the protesters had also ransacked the house of the sarpanch and attacked his family members before taking to the streets, police said.

“The sarpanch’s son had earlier threatened us to abduct my brother-in-law and nephew following a clash with them in the village. My brother in-law is missing now. We have launched a search since last night, but to no avail,” Basanti Puhan, a relative of the victim alleged. 

 “As per the complaint, one Rajendra Kumar Puhan has been abducted from near Dahisara when he was returning from Athagarh yesterday. His family members suspect the role of Alok Baliarsingh, who is the son of local sarpanch, in the kidnapping,” said Suchitra Birya Dash, Khuntuni police station Inspector-in-charge.

Following the incident, fellow villagers vandalized the house of the sarpanch. When police reached the village, they fled away. Later, they resorted to road blockade, the IIC said. 
“A case has been registered in this connection at Athagarh police station. Investigation is underway,” Dash added.

According to reports, two teams of police have been formed to search the missing youth. On the other hand, agitating villagers have refused to withdraw the stir till Rajendra is traced.

They have also demanded stringent action against those who are involved in the incident. 

Meanwhile, hundreds of vehicles were stranded on both side of the road due to the protest. Apprehending any untoward situation, two platoons of forces have been deployed at the dharna spot.

Sources said, the family of Rajendra had a past enmity with the sarpanch following a dispute over some trivial issues in the village.

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