A Mahima cult monk, Brundban Das (80) was beaten up by some miscreants at his ashram at Mendhasal on the Chandaka-Khordha National Highway in the presence of police.
Besides Das, some of his followers were also injured in the attack.
The goons also damaged the ashram. The monk had carried out afforestation in 10 acres of barren land in which he has grown medicinal trees.
It was alleged that Das was the target by a relative of a local Sarpanch and his supporters. But police instead of taking action against the attackers remained mute spectators.
The monk’s supporters have demanded immediate action against the culprits.