Bhubaneswar, July 11: In a significant development, the Puintala police on Friday arrested eight drivers for allegedly assaulting a truck driver during the "Quit Steering Wheel" agitation organized by the Odisha Driver Mahasangh in Balangir district. The incident took place on Thursday, when 27-year-old Manoj Bagarti, a resident of Bhaler village under Puintala police limits, was on duty, transporting goods from the Saradhapali Ethanol Plant in Sonepur district to Balangir.

According to police reports, Bagarti was intercepted near the Bhainsapali Toll Gate by a group of agitators. In a shocking turn of events, the striking drivers allegedly launched a violent attack on him, leaving him seriously injured. The motive behind the assault appears to be linked to the ongoing statewide protest, during which many drivers have been demanding various reforms and better working conditions.

Following the incident, the Puintala police swiftly registered a case and launched an investigation. Inspector-in-Charge Anita Pradhan confirmed the arrest of eight individuals in connection with the attack and assured that further inquiries are in progress. The incident has raised serious concerns over law and order during the ongoing agitation.

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