Kendrapara, Dec. 26: Tension has mounted up at Nikirai on the outskirts of the township after a woman sarpanch of a gram panchayat was assaulted allegedly by her political opponents.

In a fallout of political rivalry, a group of people yesterday attacked sarpanch of Ghaghra gram panchayat Binodini Mallick, opposing her style of panchayat functioning.

Binodini sustained multiple injuries on head, legs and arms. She has been shifted to SCB Medical College and Hospital in Cuttack, police said. Binodini’s health condition has improved and she is out of danger.

Irate mob demonstrated in front of the police station in protest against what they attributed police inaction.

“Inept and indifferent handling of the situation on part of local police has led to the breach of law and order situation in these largely peaceful areas. Binodini, who owed affiliation towards the BJD, had earlier lodged complaint, highlighting possible attack on her. However, the police for strange reason maintained silence. The attack was the handiwork of hooligans, let loose by Opposition parties. It’s an unfortunate incident. A woman sarpanch, who was dedicated towards all round development of the villages coming under the said gram panchayat, was targetted for her good work,” said district women wing chief of the BJD Snehaprava Tripathy.

“The attack had triggered tension leading to the supporters of sarpanch staging noisy protest demonstration outside Nikirai police station. However, tense situation has been diffused. No further untoward incident has occurred. As a precautionary measure, a section of armed police has been deployed at the spot,” said sub-divisional police officer, Pattamundai, Ramachandra Goud.

Motive behind the attack was of political nature. The police have taken into custody one of the culprits while others have been identified. Search is on to arrest them shortly, he said.