Nayagarh, (OT Webdesk)– June 21, A 55-year-old ASHA (Accredited Social Health Activist) worker was assaulted late Friday evening in Parbatipur village, Nayagarh district, while distributing essential ORS and zinc supplements amid a diarrhoea outbreak.
According to reports, the frontline health worker was attacked by three inebriated youths who hurled verbal abuse and physically assaulted her, disregarding her pleas to continue her public health duties.
The incident occurred around 8:30 p.m., sparking outrage among villagers.
In an attempt to rescue the victim, a young local resident, Mayadhar Pradhan, intervened and was severely injured after being struck with a sword by one of the attackers.
He sustained a serious head injury and is currently in stable condition at Bhapur Community Health Centre.
Residents say the accused are habitual offenders who have long fostered a climate of fear in the village. Despite several onlookers witnessing the incident, few came forward due to intimidation.
A complaint has been filed with Fatehgarh police, and an investigation is underway. Authorities are pursuing leads to apprehend the assailants.
This episode has reignited concerns over the safety of frontline health workers and the broader state of law enforcement in rural Odisha, especially during public health emergencies.
