Daijiworld Media Network – Bolangir

Bolangir, May 27: In a shocking incident, a journalist in Odisha’s Bolangir district was allegedly tied up and brutally assaulted in public while reporting on suspected irregularities in the construction of a guard wall. The attack on journalist Bijay Pradhan occurred on Saturday and has sparked widespread outrage after a video of the assault went viral.

Pradhan had gone to a village in Bolangir to gather information and take photographs related to the construction work when a group of men confronted and attacked him. According to reports, the assailants snatched his mobile phone, microphone, and other equipment before subjecting him to physical violence. A video clip circulating on social media shows one of the accused kicking him in the face while he lay restrained.

Four individuals, including a minor, have been arrested in connection with the assault. The accused have been identified as Abhinash Dalai, Aditya Jena, Gumara Nayak, and one juvenile.

Speaking to the media, senior police officer Abhilash G said, “We have taken this matter very seriously. Preliminary investigation indicates that the contractor responsible for the guard wall construction may have instigated the assault. His role is under thorough scrutiny, and strict action will be taken if he is found guilty.”

The incident has drawn strong condemnation from media bodies and civil society groups demanding swift justice and protection for journalists working on the ground.