Bhubaneswar: A day after the attack on Utkal Bharat president Kharabela Swain in Kashipur of Rayagada district, the BJP and Congress today alleged involvement of the Biju Yuva Vahini behind the attack.
The BJP stated that the two attackers - Sumant Naik and Krushna Naik – were members of the Biju Yuva Vahini. General Secretary of the party Bhrugu Baxipatra said Krushna had taken a month salary and was working as the driver of a BJD leader. However, fearing that it would come to the fore, Krushna’s name was removed from the list of members of the Biju Yuva Vahini.
“Krushna Naik is BJD leader’s driver and a Biju Yuva Vahini member. But his name was deleted from the membership yesterday after the incident happened. Now police are saying he is missing and the State government is claiming that investigation has been handed over to the Crime Branch,” said Baxipatra.
On the other hand, Opposition chief whip Tara Prasad Bahinipati said the attackers were BJD members.
Meanwhile, BJD Rayagada district observer and general secretary Sanjay Das Burma said efforts are being made to malign the image of the ruling party.
“We condemn the effort done to tarnish the image of the ruling party in Rayagada,”
Union Minister Dharmendra Pradhan also targeted Chief Minister Naveen Patnaik in connection with the incident. "Kharabela Swain has brought fame to Odisha and he has every right to criticise the CM and ruling party. Does it mean that whoever criticises the government shall be attacked," Pradhan added.
Police DG RP Sharma stated that Crime Branch has been directed to probe the matter.
“We have ordered a Crime Branch investigation to find out who was involved behind the attack and what the motive was,” Sharma said.
Meanwhile, the Rayagada Police has prayed before the Court to take Sumant Naik on a seven-day remand. “Out of three persons involved in the incident, raids are conducted to nab two others,” informed Rayagada SP Rahul P.R.