A shocking incident unfolded in Kulthipali village, Bolangir district, where journalist Bijay Padhaan was violently attacked while reporting on irregularities in a local guard wall construction project.
The journalist was allegedly bound to a tree, beaten, and threatened with death, in a brutal act reportedly orchestrated by contractor Gajendra Dalei.
The police have arrested four individuals, including Dalei’s son Abinash Dalei (25), Gumar Nayak (40), Aditya Kumar Jena (31), and a minor. The prime accused, Gajendra Dalei, remains at large, with authorities actively pursuing his capture.
The incident occurred after Padhaan’s investigative report highlighted substandard construction work allegedly linked to Dalei. As he sought villagers’ opinions on the matter, he was confronted by a gang and subjected to mob-style punishment, with the attackers reportedly filming the abuse and circulating it on social media. The journalist’s family also received death threats if they reported the assault.
Following public outcry, press organisations, including OUJ and SUJ, demanded the immediate arrest of Dalei and an independent inquiry into the alleged corruption surrounding his contracts. Bolangir SP assured swift action, confirming the arrests and pledging further investigation into the case.
With escalating media outrage and political attention, the demand for justice and press freedom remains a critical issue in the region.
