Bhubaneswar, 26 May (H.S.): Odisha Police have arrested four individuals, including a minor, in connection with the assault of a journalist in Kulthipali village of Bolangir district. The incident occurred on Saturday while the journalist was reporting on alleged irregularities in a government construction project.
According to police , journalist Bijay Pradhan was attacked while covering suspected discrepancies in the construction of a guard wall in the village. The assailants allegedly seized his mobile phone, microphone, and other equipment before tying his hands and physically assaulting him in full view of local residents.
A video capturing the assault surfaced on social media shortly after the incident, prompting widespread condemnation and calls for swift action.
Following a complaint lodged by Pradhan at the Puintala police station, and after reviewing the video evidence, police registered a case and arrested four suspects. The arrested individuals have been identified as Abhinash Dalai, Aditya Jena, Gumara Nayak, and one juvenile.
Bolangir Superintendent of Police, Abhilash G, confirmed the arrests and stated that further investigation is ongoing. “We suspect the involvement of the contractor responsible for the construction work. Efforts are underway to apprehend him as well,” the SP added.
The incident has sparked concerns over the safety of journalists working in rural areas and has drawn attention to the need for greater protection for media personnel investigating corruption and local governance issues.
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Hindusthan Samachar / Monalisa Panda
