According to sources, a group of tourists and pilgrims from Chhattisgarh were subjected to an attack by toll gate staff near Mundali in Odisha’s Cuttack district, resulting in injuries.
The tourists had embarked on a journey in two buses, traveling up to Rameswaram, and were returning to Chhattisgarh via Odisha. During their return journey, after their visit to Nandankanan, an altercation ensued between the tourists and the toll gate staff regarding the payment of fees for the two buses. The situation escalated, and the tourists were allegedly assaulted with wooden planks and sticks at the toll gate.
Reportedly, a total of 11 tourists and three toll gate staff members sustained injuries in the incident. There are also reports of women and children being among those injured in the attack.
In response to the incident, four individuals have been detained, and the toll gate has been temporarily closed until further notice.
Athagarh sub-collector Hemant Swain stated that a thorough investigation is underway, and strict action will be taken against those found responsible for the attack.
The safety of all the tourists has been ensured, and arrangements are being made to transport them back to their destination in buses, as per sources.
