Bhubaneswar, May 29: A Panchayat Executive Officer (PEO) was allegedly attacked by a beneficiary of a government housing scheme in Odisha’s Malkangiri district while carrying out official duties in a remote village under Khairaput block.

The injured official has been identified as Bijay Panda, the Panchayat Executive Officer of Mudulipada Panchayat.

According to reports, Panda had visited several villages in the Bonda Ghati area on a holiday following government instructions to encourage beneficiaries under the central government housing scheme to complete construction of their houses at the earliest.

During his visit to Dantipada village, the PEO was reportedly interacting with beneficiaries and explaining the importance of timely completion of houses sanctioned under the scheme. While the discussion was underway, one beneficiary allegedly became aggressive and attacked Panda with a knife.

Police sources said the PEO sustained injuries during the sudden attack. As Panda attempted to flee from the spot to save himself, the accused allegedly continued the assault by pelting stones at him.

Despite the attack, Panda somehow managed to escape and reached the Khairaput Community Health Centre, where he received treatment for his injuries.

Following the incident, the injured officer informed the Khairaput Block Development Officer (BDO) about the matter and later lodged a written complaint at Mudulipada Police Station.

Police have initiated an investigation into the incident and are trying to ascertain the circumstances that led to the attack.

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