Odisha Panchayat Polls Violence: Sarpanch Aspirant Rescued In Critical Condition With Limbs Tied

Amid the ongoing three-tier Panchayat elections in Odisha, a Sarpanch candidate was rescued in an unconscious state with his hands and legs tied in Nuapada district on Saturday. 

Chulamani Baitharu, the victim, is in the race for the post of Sarpanch of Sunarisikuan Gram Panchayat in Khariar block of Nuapada.

According to family sources, Baitharu had left home at 9 pm last night to meet some people but did not return home thereafter. Today morning, some locals spotted him lying in an unconscious state along a road with his limbs tied barely 1 km away from his home and rescued him.   

Several injury marks all over his body indicate that Baitharu was brutally assaulted by some miscreants. 

He was initially shifted to Khariar hospital and later referred to a hospital in Bolangir district. His condition was stated to be critical. 

While the Sarpanch candidate’s family members suspect the role of opponents behind the assault, Khariar police said the exact circumstances leading to the incident will be ascertained after an investigation.     

Sunarisikuan Panchayat is stated to go to poll in the third phase tomorrow.