Tension erupted in Nuapada after Block Development Officer (BDO) Rohit Bhoi was allegedly assaulted inside the block office premises.
The incident stemmed from a dispute over the location of a new Panchayat office.
Villagers from Bhaisatal demanded that the Panchayat office be established in their area. However, construction had already begun at Baloda village, leading to conflict between the two communities.
On Saturday, Bhaisatal villagers visited the Nuapada block office to meet the BDO. During discussions over the construction site, some agitated individuals allegedly misbehaved and attacked Bhoi. Following the incident, the BDO lodged a complaint at Nuapada police station.
Police registered a case and detained four villagers for questioning. Nuapada SP Amrit Pal Singh confirmed that one accused was arrested and produced in court. Nuapada ADPO Swadhin Mishra also acknowledged the incident.
In response, block administration staff and Panchayat Samiti members staged a dharna in front of the block office, condemning the assault and demanding strict action. District Sarpanch Sangh president Prem Nayak, Zilla Parishad member Bhanu Pratap Singh Majhi, and other leaders strongly criticised the attack and expressed solidarity with the BDO.
The dispute between Bhaisatal and Baloda villagers over the Panchayat office location has intensified, even as construction continues at Baloda under a High Court order.
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