Baladi Sarpanch Raju Kumbhar faces arrest after allegedly assaulting a disabled youth in Tarbha police jurisdiction in Sundargarh district.
The incident has stirred widespread discussion across the local community.
According to reports, 22‑year‑old Deepak Sahu cleared bushes on December 31 behind his house in Baladi village. The land belongs to the family of the Sarpanch. Raju Kumbhar confronted Deepak and struck him with a stick, accusing him of trespassing and clearing bushes on family property.
Deepak filed a written complaint at the Tarbha police station on January 1. Police registered Case No. 1/26 under sections 126(2), 115(2), 351(2), and 296 of the Indian Penal Code. Officers launched an investigation and arrested the Sarpanch at 3 a.m. on January 11.
Authorities produced Raju Kumbhar in the Tarbha JMFC Court on Monday. The court granted bail, and he walked free later that day. The arrest and subsequent release have fueled heated debates in the area, with residents questioning both the conduct of the elected representative and the legal process.
The Baladi Sarpanch arrest highlights growing concerns about accountability among local leaders. Community members emphasise that elected officials must uphold law and order rather than engage in violence. The case also underscores the vulnerability of disabled individuals when disputes escalate into physical confrontations.
Police continue monitoring the situation while residents await further developments. The incident remains a focal point of conversation in Baladi and surrounding villages, reflecting the tension between authority and justice.
