KalingaTV News Network
Puri: Internationally acclaimed sand artist Sudarsan Pattnaik was hospitalized here on Sunday night following an injury after a scuffle with an unidentified youth during the on-going Konark festival.
Speaking to media persons, Pattnaik said, “A local youth approached me to take selfie and then twisted my hand while attempting to snatch my wristwatch in the crowd”.
“When I tried to defend myself, the miscreant fled from the spot,” he added.
Soon after the scuffle, the sand artist complained severe pain in his right hand and he was rushed to the District Headquarters Hospital of Puri.
On Friday, the five-day long annual Konark festival began near the world famous Sun Temple of Konark. Coinciding with the dance festival, International Sand Art Festival commenced at Chandrabhaga beach in Konark.
Pattnaik, a Padma Shri awardee, is the brand ambassador of the Sand Art Festival.
Ms Kalinga