Media persons attacked while reporting minor girl’s marriage in Odisha

Odisha Sun Times Bureau
Cuttack, May 15:

Two media persons were today admitted to SCB Medical College and Hospital here in a critical condition after they were fatally attacked while they were reporting a minor girl’s marriage at Khalarda village under Sadar police limits in Odisha’s Cuttack district.

According to reports, Child Welfare Committee (CWC) officials got information about a minor girl being married off at Khalarda village. The CWC officials informed the journalists belonging to various media organisations about the incident.

When the officials and the journalists reached the village, they were fatally attacked by people from either side of the bride and groom.

While some of them managed to escape, Prabhat Bisoi and Smrutiranjan Samant—the reporter and camera person of the news channel—and officials of CWC were badly beaten up by the assailants.

Bisoi reportedly sustained internal injuries and his condition is stated to be critical. He is in a state of comatose, sources said

Over 40 persons were allegedly involved in the attack, sources added.

Following the incident, Cuttack DCP Sanjeev Arora rushed a police team led by an ACP rank officer to the village to nab those involved in the incident.

“We have sent a team to the village. Those involved in the incident will be arrested soon,” Cuttack DCP Sanjeev Arora said.

Meanwhile, police have detained six persons at Sadar police station for questioning.