Nayagarh: A youth of Karada village under Sarankul police limits in Nayagarh district had to pay heavily for campaigning against the state government.
Rusia Pradhan, a stone dealer, is considered an active protester. On many occasions, he had protested against the state government. At one time, he had staged a sit-in at Sarankul Government Hospital demanding minimum facilities there. He had even burnt effigies of MP of Puri and MLA of Ranpur eight months ago. Sometimes he would distribute leaflets against the government. He was to distribute some leaflets during the election.
According to a complaint filed by Rusia with police, at about 10 am Friday, a person wearing a helmet came to him posing as a customer to buy stones. After settling on the price, he left the place telling Rusia he would come back in the night.
At about 2pm, the youth, again in helmet, came and both of them went to Rusia’s shop, located in a mango orchard, near his house. Two masked youths who had been hiding there took Rusia by surprise by coming out from their hideout and before he could realise what was happening, they sprayed something on his face.
Later, the trio took him to the foot of Bhandar hill and tied him to a banyan tree, gagging his mouth. They threatened him not to propagate against the government any more. They left the spot after issuing a stern warning that if he does even once again, he would have to pay with his life.
Rusia had to spend the whole of Friday night tied to the tree. He was rescued by some villagers Saturday morning in an unconscious state and rushed to Sarankul Community Health Centre. At about 10am, he became fit and thereafter lodged the police complaint.
On the basis of Rusia’s compliant, a case has been registered and investigation is on. “The miscreants will soon be apprehended,” said Sarankul IIC Kuran Hembram.
PNN