Khallikote MLA Purna Chandra Sethi Attacked During Flood Review Visit in Purushottampur
Tension prevailed in Odisha’s Ganjam district on Saturday after Khallikote MLA Purna Chandra Sethi was allegedly confronted and pushed by agitated residents while reviewing flood-affected areas in Purushottampur.
The incident occurred amid growing public dissatisfaction over post-flood relief measures and infrastructure restoration efforts.
According to reports, the MLA visited the flood-hit region to assess the situation and review relief operations following recent flooding linked to heavy rainfall and the aftermath of Cyclone Arnab.
During his visit, local residents surrounded him and voiced grievances regarding delays in relief assistance and ongoing hardships in affected villages.
Eyewitness accounts suggest the situation escalated into pushing and jostling as frustrated residents expressed anger over unresolved civic issues.
Reports indicate that one major concern raised by locals was damage to essential infrastructure, including electricity transformers.
Responding to the incident, MLA Purna Chandra Sethi said he had visited the area to understand public grievances and facilitate solutions.
He stated that arrangements had been made to replace a damaged transformer after hearing residents’ complaints.
The legislator also alleged that certain individuals may have instigated the confrontation, while urging that the matter should not be politicised.
Security personnel and local officials intervened as tensions rose, ensuring the MLA’s safety and restoring order. No injuries were reported in the incident.
The episode highlights the mounting frustration among flood-affected residents in parts of Ganjam, where many continue to seek timely relief, infrastructure restoration, and stronger administrative support following the recent flooding.
