Bhubaneswar, May 7: Unknown assailants targeted independent nominee Naresh Hianla for the Kalahandi Lok Sabha constituency while he was en route to Bhawanipatna for election campaigning on Tuesday.

Reports indicate that three perpetrators ambushed Hianla near Karlapada as he traveled with two associates for his campaign. Upon exiting the vehicle, Hianla and his companions were assaulted with sticks before the assailants fled. Hianla sustained severe injuries and was promptly transported to Bhawanipatna Hospital in critical condition.

While the motive behind the attack remains undisclosed, speculation suggests political animosity as a probable cause.

In response to a filed complaint, Karlapada police have initiated an investigation into the incident. As of the latest update, the identities of the assailants responsible for the assault on the Kalahandi Lok Sabha candidate remain unknown.

"I was attacked during my journey to Bhawanipatna. I am unfamiliar with the perpetrators. I have faith in the authorities, and I believe they will apprehend the culprits swiftly and uncover the motives behind the assault," stated Hianla.

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