Bhubaneswar, January 19: In a disturbing turn of events, Rohit Bhoi, Block Development Officer (BDO), Nuapada, was attacked by a group of individuals outside the local police station amid an ongoing dispute over the construction of a Panchayat building in Bhaisatala village. The altercation occurred near the Block Office premises, with the SDPO and police personnel present at the scene.

The controversy surrounding the Panchayat building has been simmering for some time, with some villagers protesting the construction. They claim that the building is being erected in Baloda, rather than at the designated Bhaisatala Panchayat headquarters. Despite these objections, construction has proceeded in accordance with a High Court ruling.

The situation took a violent turn when a group of protesters confronted BDO Bhoi, verbally opposing the project and physically assaulting him. In response, Bhoi sought refuge at the police station, where he remains under protection.

District Administration has initiated an investigation into the attack, and further actions are anticipated as the inquiry progresses.