Nayagarh, Jun 21: Tension flared in Parbatipur village under Fatehgarh police limits after a youth was seriously injured while attempting to protect an ASHA worker from alleged misbehavior by a group of inebriated men.

According to reports, the female ASHA worker was returning from a field visit after administering medicines to a patient suffering from diarrhoea, when she was accosted by a group of intoxicated individuals near the village road.

The group reportedly hurled verbal abuse at her using offensive language. When the ASHA worker confronted the miscreants over their behavior, the situation turned violent.

A youth from the same village, identified as Mayadhar Pradhan, intervened to defend her but was attacked with an axe, sustaining serious injuries.

A complaint has been lodged at Fatehgarh police station. Villagers Subash Behera, Loknath Behera, and two unidentified youths have been named in the report. The police are currently investigating the incident.

The attack has sparked concern in the local community, with residents demanding swift action to ensure safety for frontline health workers, especially in rural areas.

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