Protest erupted at the Badasankha area in Puri after some police officials allegedly thrashed a fruit seller and a local reporter on Wednesday (May 19). Alleging police brutality, the shopkeepers staged a dharna on the road. As per sources, a team of Kumbharpada Police was enforcing Covid guidelines in the pilgrim city. They came across the fruit sellers near Badasankha and warned them to immediately vacate the place. However, following a heated argument, police allegedly thrashed a fruit seller for flouting Covid rules. The shopkeepers also alleged that the police thrashed a local reporter who had come to cover the incident. Meanwhile, Puri SP informed that a probe has been ordered into both incidents. Puri Additional SP started investigation after interrogating some locals and agitating shopkeepers.