Bhubaneswar: Tension flared again in the Balianta area after a 45-year-old man was allegedly assaulted by a group of youths in Suddhasa Rangi village under the jurisdiction of Balianta police station.<\/p>\n
Following the incident, villagers gheraoed the police station Wednesday, demanding action against those accused of the assault.<\/p>\n
The incident comes days after the sensational killing of GRP constable Soumya Ranjan Swain in mob violence within the Balianta police station area.<\/p>\n
According to villagers, the victim, Lakshmidhar Swain, 45, alias Tukuna, is undergoing treatment at SUM Hospital and is in a coma.<\/p>\n
Police said the incident took place Sunday when Lakshmidhar objected to a group of local youths holding a feast at the village club house.<\/p>\n
Despite his refusal, the youths allegedly tried to forcibly break open the door of the club house.<\/p>\n
An argument subsequently broke out between Lakshmidhar and the youths, which escalated when around five of them allegedly assaulted him.<\/p>\n
Lakshmidhar sustained critical head injuries in the assault, following which the youths allegedly fled the spot. The victim\u2019s family later lodged a complaint at Balianta police station.<\/p>\n
During the preliminary investigation, police detained two suspects for questioning.<\/p>\n
Meanwhile, enraged over the incident and demanding stringent action against the accused, villagers along with members of the victim\u2019s family staged a protest in front of Balianta police station.<\/p>\n
\u201cWe want the accused to be arrested at the earliest. How come no arrests have been made yet?\u201d said a protesting villager.<\/p>\n
Police personnel, along with the Zone IV ACP, intervened and pacified the protesters, assuring them of stringent action against those involved.<\/p>\n
\u201cWe have identified two prime suspects in the attack. However, they are currently absconding.<\/p>\n
A manhunt is underway to nab them,\u201d said a Balianta police official, requesting anonymity.<\/p>\n
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