The team led by Union Petroleum Minister Dharmendra Pradhan met Singh and submitted a memorandum seeking his intervention to protect Sasmal. The team also included Dr. Sambit Patra, Prithviraj Harichandan and Lekhashree Samantasinghar.
Parbati Sasmal, a native of Kalikuda in Jagatsinghpur district was allegedly attacked by some people who are said to be BJD supporters for handing over a letter to Prime Minister during a roadshow in Bhubaneswar on April 15.
According to reports, there were disputes between two villages in Jagatsinghpur district over the encroachment of a government land. Though the matter was brought to the notice of the district administration and cases were file in the local police station, no action was taken. Finding no means to solve the issue, Sasmal had submitted a complaint letter to the Prime Minister during his roadshow. Irate over which her rivalry, said to be BJD supporters, attacked her later.