PESA activists court forwarded for attacking Ward member in Odisha

Sundergarh: At least 48 Panchayat Extension to Scheduled Areas (PESA) activists, including 43 women, who were arrested on Monday in connection with an attack on a Ward member during distribution of PDS rice at Jadakudar panchayat in Sundergarh district were forwarded to court today.

Earlier on Monday, the accused activists had roughed up the panchayat Ward member George Kujur when the latter tried to stop them to take control over a consignment of PDS rice.

“After administrative officials arrived to distribute PDS rice, many PESA activists including women disrupted the process and misbehaved with us. When I tried to resist they manhandled me,” Ward member George Kujur told mediapersons.

After the issue flared up with the interference of local residents, police took control of the situation. Two platoon of force have been deployed at the spot to prevent law and order situation.

However, the accused women alleged they took the extreme step saying since the Ward member disrespected them in public in the middle of the market.