Four arrested for assaulting journalist in Odisha’s Bolangir

Odisha Police on Monday arrested four persons, including a juvenile, for allegedly assaulting a journalist in Bolangir district.

According to police, the incident took place in the district's Kulthipali village on Saturday when Bijay Pradhan went there to report on alleged irregularities in the construction of a guard wall.

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Assault Caught on Camera and Circulated Online

The accused allegedly snatched Pradhan's mobile phone, microphone (boom) and other equipment. They also tied his hands and assaulted him in front of villagers, police said.

A video of the incident later went viral on social media.

Police Register Case, Investigate Contractor's Role

Based on Pradhan's complaint at Puintala police station and video evidence, a case was registered and the four persons arrested, Bolangir SP Abhilash G told reporters.

The accused have been identified as Abhinash Dalai, Aditya Jena, Gumara Nayak, and a minor.

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"We are suspecting the involvement of the contractor engaged in the work. We will arrest him too," the SP said.

(With PTI Inputs)