Cuttack, Sept. 22 (UDN): A dispute over compensation received for land acquired for a national highway project has reportedly escalated into allegations of assault, threats and social boycott in Padanpur village under Banki block of Cuttack district.
Village resident Parshuram Pal has alleged that he was pressured to share a portion of the compensation money and was later assaulted during a village meeting after refusing to comply with the demand.
Dispute Over Rs 1.76 Lakh Compensation
According to the complaint, Pal received Rs 1.76 lakh as compensation for ancestral land acquired for the highway project.
He alleged that some villagers subsequently demanded that he hand over half of the amount to a relative. When he refused, he was allegedly taken to a village meeting, where he was assaulted and forced to leave.
Pal further alleged that after approaching the police, a social boycott was imposed on him, with local shopkeepers allegedly being instructed not to sell essential goods to his family.
Seeks Human Rights Commission Intervention
Claiming that he feared for his safety, Pal said he has been staying in Bhubaneswar, where he works as an auto-rickshaw driver.
He has approached the Odisha Human Rights Commission seeking intervention and protection, alleging threats to his life and safety.
A case has reportedly been registered at Banki police station, while police are attempting to resolve the dispute by holding discussions with both sides.
However, there has been no official police response so far on the specific allegations of assault, threats and social boycott.
Pal has alleged that some villagers threatened to set his house on fire and kill him, besides ostracising his family from the village. The allegations are subject to investigation.