Tension gripped Koraput town after Congress MLA from Jeypore, Taraprasad Bahinipati, was allegedly attacked during a torchlight rally on the night of August 14.
The rally, organised by the Koraput District Congress, began at Gundicha Temple and concluded at the bus stand. Bahinipati was joined by Congress Legislature Party leader Ramachandra Kadam and several party workers.
According to eyewitnesses, as the rally reached the bus stand area, a man identified as Krushna Chandra Kuldeep suddenly attacked Bahinipati. Locals overpowered Kuldeep and handed him over to the Town Police.
Police officials confirmed that Kuldeep underwent medical examination and is in custody for interrogation. Written complaints have been filed by both sides — Bahinipati’s PSO alleged that the accused slapped the MLA, abused him, and issued death threats, while Kuldeep, in his FIR, claimed the MLA and his brother were plotting to kill him.
Kuldeep, a daily wage worker at the bus stand, is currently undergoing treatment at Koraput Hospital and is expected to be produced in court soon.
While a case has been registered, neither Bahinipati nor Kuldeep has issued any public statement yet. Further investigation is underway.