Labour Minister’s brother, 3 others critical in attack

Bargarh: Hours after the campaign for the Bijepur Assembly by-election concluded on Thursday, Odisha Labour Minister Susant Singh's brother along with three other persons got grievously injured after they were allegedly attacked by unidentified miscreants near Banabira under Sohela block of Bargarh district late last night.

As per sources, Susant's brother Subrat Singh was on way with three other persons, when unidentified miscreants intercepted their four-wheeler and allegedly attacked them and fled the spot. It has also been alleged that the gang of miscreants fired at their vehicle and damaged it completely; however, no one was hit.

All four were immediately rushed to Sohela hospital and later shifted to Burla medical where they are undergoing treatment.

While two of them have suffered minor injuries and are stable, condition of other two is still stated to be critical, sources said.

Police have reportedly detained three persons in connection with the attack and seized one live bullet from the spot.

BJD spokesperson Pratap Keshari Deb alleged that the BJP orchestrated the attack on the Labour Minister's brother as they fear losing the Bijepur bypoll.

However, general secretary of the BJP's Odisha unit, Bhrugu Baxipatra rubbished the BJD's allegations of the party's involvement in attack.

"BJP doesn't believe in violence. The ruling party's allegations are baseless and politically motivated," he said.

BJP MLA from Padampur Pradip Purohit, on the other hand, alleged that tender-fixing and past rivalry are the prime reasons behind the attack.

Meanwhile, police have rushed to the spot and initiated an investigation into the incident.