Phulbani: Employees of a private bus heading towards Kerala were allegedly beaten up by a local sarpanch at Chanchedi village under K. Nuagaan block in Kandhamal district.
The sarpanch identified as Raj Kishore Pradhan had intercepted the Kerala-bound bus carrying migrant labourers mid-way for Aadhar card inspection. The sarpanch allegedly thrashed the bus driver and other staff on the road in the name of identity verification. A video of the brawl went viral on social media.
The bus employees have not lodged any complaint with the police.
On the other hand, Sarpanch had filed a complaint alleging attack by the bus employees.
The sarpanch said that he discussed with the labourers who were going outside the State without an Aadhar card. At the time, some of them had attacked him and threatened to kill him, Pradhan alleged.
“The Kerala-bound bus was coming in high speed beyond permissible limit. I intercepted the vehicle to inspect the Aadhar Card of labourers. Some of the bus staff and labourers suddenly beat me. The bus later tried to flee, but my nephew stopped it mid-way. I informed the police who rushed to the spot and rescued me,” Pradhan alleged.
Based on the complaint of the sarpanch, police arrested three persons after registering a case.
“We have received a complaint from the sarpanch who alleged that he was thrashed by some people. Both sides were involved in the fight. Based on the complaint, we have started an investigation,” said Anita Kido, IIC, Saranga Gada police station.
