CUTTACK: Post-poll violence reared its ugly head in Baideswar area of Banki on Thursday when a supporter of victorious sarpanch Kamadev Mohapatra was allegedly beaten up by a rival group. The youth, Pradipta Kumar Behera, sustained head injury and was rushed to Banki hospital for treatment. According to reports, Mohapatra, a retired teacher, had contested the panchayat elections on the insistence of locals and defeated one Prafulla Kumar Sahoo. After being declared sarpanch of Baideswar, he had gone visiting people of the village along with his supporters. While they were on their way back from the courtesy visit, some youths, allegedly supporters of Sahoo, accosted them. They particularly targeted Behera over the issue of non-repayment of a group loan and began beating him up. They also whipped out sharp weapons and threatened Mohapatra and others. Mohapatra, however, pleaded with the group and managed to rescue Behera. A complaint has been filed in the police station. Police have registered a case and launched a manhunt for the accused. The incident is linked to the outcome of the panchayat elections, police said.
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