Attack on Kharabela Swain: DGP directs SPs to provide security to former MP

Bhubaneswar: Following public outcry over the recent attack on Utkal Bharat party chief Kharabela Swain, director general of police RP Sharma today directed all the SPs to provide adequate security to the former MP during his scheduled public meetings across the State.

While a Crime Branch inquiry is on, another accused P. Govindrao was arrested today in connection with the attack on Swain during public meeting at Kashipur in Rayagada on November 24.

Meanwhile, one Sumant Nayak, who was earlier arrested in connection with the incident, was today sent on a three-day police remand. However, another accused Krushna Nayak is still absconding.

Additional Director General of Crime Branch, Santosh Upadhyaya today informed that only after a proper investigation Sumant's motive and the group with whom he is associated can be ascertained.

"Only after an investigation, it will be ascertained if there was any motive and under what circumstances the attack took place," Upadhyay said.

Earlier on Sunday, Swain had met the Additional Superintendent of Police of Rayagada, Patitpabana Chaudhury and appraised details regarding the attack on him during a public meeting in Kashipur. The former MP also filed an official complaint in the matter.

Commenting on DGP Sharma's direction, former MP Baijayant Jay Panda tweeted:

Why did it take THREE assaults on him over past month for this decision ??!!
Is it bcz too many cops are busy "investigating" if a helicopter flew over Chilika lake (which is legal, btw!) even AFTER Directorate General of Civil Aviation (DGCA) investigated & found no violation?? https://t.co/YSXMgGzPaL

— Baijayant Jay Panda (@PandaJay) November 26, 2018