Sarpanch beaten up for not allowing to play cricket during lockdown in Odisha

Rayagada: In a bizarre incident, the Sarpanch of Bhairabagada village under Muniguda block in Rayagada district was thrashed by a group of youths after he warned them not to play cricket amid the COVID-19 lockdown.

However, 25 youths were later arrested in this connection after Sarpanch Digambar Sikka lodged a complaint at Muniguda police station yesterday.

As per information, Digambar was returning from the Panchayat office around 11 am on Thursday, when he came across a group of youths playing cricket at an open field in Bhairabagada area. He asked them to stop the game and get back to their respective houses to abide by the lockdown norms. However, the youths ignored him and continued playing.

After his repeated advices went unresponded,  the Sarpanch warned the youths to call up police if they do not leave the place. Agitated by this, the group went on attacking  Digambar leaving him criticality injured. The victim later went to Muniguda police station in the afternoon and reported the matter. Police detained 25 youths and are interrogating them.