The Sarpanch of Bhairabagada village under Muniguda block in Rayagada district was thrashed by a group of youths when he warned them against playing cricket amid the Covid-19 lockdown. Later, 25 youths were arrested in this connection after Sarpanch Digambar Sikka lodged a complaint at the Muniguda police station on Thursday. Sikka was returning from the panchayat office when he came across the youths playing cricket at an open field. He asked them to stop the game and get back to their houses to abide by the lockdown norms. However, the youths ignored him and continued playing.
As his repeated advices went unheeded, the Sarpanch warned the youths that he would call up police if they did not leave the place. Agitated by this, the youths attacked Sikka, leaving him seriously injured.