Baripada/Bhubaneswar, Mar 23 (PTI) A group of people in Odisha's Mayurbhanj on Sunday hurled stones at a vehicle, which forms a part of the cavalcade of a state minister, as they sought to know why officials did not visit areas affected by a recent hailstorm in the district and assess damages.

A constable was injured in the attack, a police officer said.

Also Read | Thought of the Day for School Assembly Today: Uplifting and Inspirational Quote in English With Meaning To Empower Students, Foster Positivity and Motivation in Morning Assembly.

The incident took place after the cavalcade of Revenue and Disaster Management Minister Suresh Pujari was returning, after dropping him at a helipad in the district.

A group of locals, who were staging protests, hurled stones at one of the vehicles, the officer said. The car's windscreen was damaged in the attack, he said.

Also Read | News Headlines for School Assembly Today, 23 March 2025: Check Important National, International, Sports, Entertainment and Business Stories.

The constable, who was present near the vehicle, was injured and taken to a nearby hospital, police said.

Earlier in the day, Pujari visited the hailstorm-affected areas of Bisoi and Bangriposi blocks of Mayurbhanj district.

“I was supposed to visit the areas on Saturday, but my helicopter could not take off due to bad weather. So, I went to those areas today. Compensation will be provided to the people affected by the hailstorm in Mayurbhanj district by Monday,” Pujari said.

The minister also said the state government will provide houses to people, whose homes were completely damaged in the hailstorm on March 20.

Meanwhile, BJP leader Sanjali Murmu condemned the attack and said “some people have done this to derive political benefits at a time when people are suffering”.

(The above story is verified and authored by Press Trust of India (PTI) staff. PTI, India’s premier news agency, employs more than 400 journalists and 500 stringers to cover almost every district and small town in India.. The views appearing in the above post do not reflect the opinions of LatestLY)