'Odisha sarpanch attacked by govt official for flagging corruption in 5T work'

In a shocking incident, a government official was accused of attacking a sarpanch after the people's representative alleged irregularities in some projects being executed under the 5T initiative at the famous Shaivite shrine, Harishankar in Bolangir district. 

When the president of the Khaprakhol Block Sarpanch Association, Sushil Guru opposed the irregularities, the SDO of the Public works department, Siddharth Das allegedly attacked the former on Tuesday.

A complaint in this regard has been filed at the Khaprakhol Police Station.

As per reports, with various developmental works being undertaken at the Harishankar shrine, Sushil came to the place and alleged that the project was being jerry-built with substandard construction and strongly objected to it. At that time, the SDO of the Public Works Department was present. He reportedly got infuriated and attacked Sushil. A video of the incident went viral and evoked sharp reactions from various quarters. 

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Following an FIR, the official also made a counter-allegation, saying he was also attacked by Sushil. 

Meanwhile, police have started an investigation into the incident. Later in the day, police arrested the sarpanch Sushil Guru and SDO of the works department Siddhartha Das.