Boudh, May 8: A heated argument over pending development work bills allegedly turned violent at the Uma Panchayat office under Kantamal block in Odisha’s Boudh district. The Panchayat Executive Officer (PEO) has been accused of assaulting the sarpanch inside the office premises.

According to allegations, Sarpanch Daulath Pandey questioned PEO Tikelal Majhi over non-payment of bills related to several developmental works carried out in the panchayat. Following the discussion, both reportedly engaged in a verbal altercation at the panchayat office.

The situation allegedly escalated when the PEO attacked the sarpanch, leaving him seriously injured. The sarpanch sustained head injuries and underwent medical treatment before lodging a complaint at Ghantapada police station.

Police have initiated an investigation into the incident and are probing the circumstances that led to the clash.