Bhubaneswar: Hundreds of slum-dwellers on Saturday demonstrated in support of child marathoner Budhia and criticised an arrest warrant issued against him for a medical examination.
The protesters staged a dharna outside the residence of Rabishanker Mishra, the chairman of Khurda district Child Welfare Committee, against his order to "forcibly examine" Budhia.
The protesters, who were from the slum where Budhia grew up, burnt Mishra’s effigy and wanted the warrant issued last month to be cancelled. They also want Mishra be removed from his post.
"Is my son a criminal; why was he issued warrant? Just because my child wants to run," said Sukanti Singh, his mother.
"This will demoralise the kid. They should take back the warrant and the chairman should be arrested for issuing this illegal warrant," said Diptiranjan Mohanty, a demonstrator.
Mishra said that the purpose of the warrant has been misunderstood.
"The warrant was issued not to put Budhia behind bars. The warrant had a civil purpose; it was for proper treatment and medical examination of Budhia. I have been misunderstood," he said.
Budhia’ coach has said that he plans to make him run from Puri to Cuttack, a distance of 100 km.
This despite a case which is pending in the state High court and appeals that Budhia must be stopped from running. The case will be heard on is June 20.
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