Three Women Arrested for Assaulting Anganwadi Worker in Odisha

Three women were arrested for allegedly obstructing an Anganwadi worker, Urmila Samal, and assaulting her publicly in Balasore district, Odisha. The incident occurred at Mahapada village, and the arrests were based on a complaint by Samal. The Deputy Chief Minister expressed concern and called for appropriate action.

Three women were arrested for allegedly obstructing an Anganwadi worker in discharging her duties and assaulting her publicly in Odisha's Balasore district, police said on Sunday.

The incident took place at Mahapada village under the Singla Police Station limits on September 20.

Based on a written complaint by the Anganwadi worker, three women have been arrested, Singla Police Station officer-in-charge Bhuban Mohan Sethi said.

The investigation is underway and action will be taken if anybody violates laws, he said.

Urmila Samal, the Anganwadi worker, was allegedly tied to a tree and beaten up by villagers for failing to serve eggs in the mid-day meal at the Mahapada Anganwadi centre.

Deputy Chief Minister Pravati Parida expressed concern over the incident during a phone conversation with Samal. Urmila alleged she was attacked for organising women for the 'Subhadra Yojana', a women-centric scheme.

Parida, who heads the Women and Child Development Department, also spoke with the chief district medical officer (CDMO) and the superintendent of police (SP) and directed them to take appropriate action.

(With inputs from agencies.)