Kendrapara, Aug 28: A disturbing incident has rocked Pattamundai region, where a cow protector was allegedly assaulted with deadly weapons by suspected cow mafia members. The attack occurred near Rajnagar Road while a group of cow caretakers were feeding cattle tied along the roadside.

According to eyewitnesses, the assailants — identified as MD Papu and his associates — brandished firearms and launched a violent attack on cow protector Sanjeeb Raut, leaving him critically injured in the middle of the road.

Locals rushed him to Pattamundai Community Health Centre, but he was reportedly abducted from the medical premises and taken to a nearby slum, where he was subjected to third-degree torture.

Sanjeeb was later shifted to Kendrapara and then to Cuttack for advanced treatment. His condition remains serious.

The incident has sparked widespread outrage, especially as MD Papu is reportedly a local BJD leader and his wife serves as a councillor for Ward No. 11. Allegations have surfaced that police are delaying action due to political pressure and links to influential figures like Rajnagar MLA Dhruba Charan Sahoo.

Local Bajrang Dal members and residents have demanded a thorough investigation, including scrutiny of CCTV footage from the medical facility. They insist that the truth will emerge only through impartial inquiry and swift justice.