August 15, 2022
Gopalpur MLA Pradeep Panigrahi was allegedly heckled by the ruling party workers during an Independence Day event. Panigrahi who was invited as a guest to Kamalapur village under Rangeilunda block to participate in an Independence event and hoist the national flag was stopped by the exasperated party workers who not only stopped his vehicle and started sloganeering but also showed him black flags as a sign of disaccord.
As Panigrahi was claimed to be assaulted by the ruling party workers tension erupted at the spot and soon an event of scrimmage broke out between the leader’s supporters and the alleged ruling party workers. Taking control over the rampage scene, the legislature was escorted out of the conflict area by the Odisha Police. Despite of all disturbances, the leader went to the designated location and hoisted the national flag.
The leader who was strongly opposed by the ruling party workers was removed from the same, citing corruption charges. He was arrested in connection with an alleged job scam and released on bail in June.
