Bhubaneswar, Sept 11: Tension gripped the state capital late at night following a violent altercation reportedly triggered by a dispute over honking. A couple allegedly assaulted an Assistant Section Officer (ASO), attacked a journalist who intervened, and later allegedly manhandled police personnel who arrived at the scene.
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According to reports, the incident began when the ASO allegedly honked to ask a vehicle to move aside. The couple reportedly confronted him and assaulted him on the road.
A journalist passing through the area reportedly stepped in to rescue the ASO, following which the couple allegedly turned their aggression towards him as well. Fearing for his life, the journalist ran into Rabindra Mandap and sought shelter inside the premises. However, the alleged attackers reportedly followed him inside and continued the assault.
The situation reportedly escalated further when security personnel at Rabindra Mandap tried to intervene. The couple allegedly assaulted them as well. The journalist, who had taken refuge inside the hall, was reportedly attacked again, with the accused allegedly attempting to choke him.
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The journalist eventually managed to contact the police, following which PCR personnel and officers from Kharavela Nagar Police Station reached the spot.
Even after the police arrived, the accused allegedly created a scene, pushing and manhandling police personnel and allegedly abusing them in obscene language. Videos purportedly showing the couple verbally abusing the ASO, journalist and police personnel have since surfaced and gone viral.
After a prolonged scuffle, police rescued the injured ASO and journalist and shifted them to a hospital for medical treatment.
Police have reportedly detained three persons, including the couple, and are questioning them in connection with the incident. Further investigation is underway.
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