Gajapati: A young reporter working with a vernacular daily in Gajapati district was injured critically in an attack by miscreants allegedly for reporting illegal liquor trade Tuesday night.
The victim has been identified as Srihari Pradhan.
According to Pradhan, he was attacked by a group of miscreants at the Chandragiri area under Mohana police limits Tuesday evening after he reported illegal liquor manufacturing and bootlegging in the area.
Pradhan has sustained critical injuries on his two legs and neck. He was immediately rushed to a nearby hospital for treatment.
The victim termed it a ‘murderous’ attack by liquor mafia to prevent him from covering the illegal liquor trade further.
“As I was trying to cover a report on illegal liquor trade, the goons having nexus with liquor mafia attacked me on the road,” said Pradhan.
The accused men have also warned Pradhan against lodging a complaint against them.
“Jitendra Kumar Gouda and Chandragiri Biju Yuva Bahini President Prashant Kumar Pradhan threatened me against lodging a complaint against them with the police,” Pradhan added.
On being informed, police reached the spot and launched an investigation. Pradhan has urged Gajapati SP to take necessary action against the miscreants.
PNN