Constable Pramila Padhi, who was beaten up by protestors during a face-off between Congress workers and the police at a rally here on Thursday, continues to remain in hospital.
Congress leader and AICC member in charge of Odisha, Jagdish Tytler, apologised on behalf of his party for the attack on Ms. Padhi on Friday, but she told mediapersons on Saturday that no apology would remove her pain.
“The culprits should be punished,” said 39-year-old Ms. Padhi, sitting up on her bed in a private hospital here.
“Ms. Padhi was shifted from a government hospital to a private one on Thursday as she had injuries on her head and body. But doctors found she had no internal injuries. She is recovering,” said Bhubaneswar Deputy Commissioner of Police Nitinjeet Singh.
The police have registered a case on the basis of a complaint filed by Ms. Padhi, and investigation is in progress.
Mr. Singh said Ms. Padhi had been deployed near Barricade No. 1 erected behind the spot from where Congress leaders addressed a gathering. She was there because there were women among the protestors. Some protestors who indulged in hooliganism targeted her. As the Congress workers broke through the barricade, Ms. Padhi was caught in the mob. She was dragged, pushed and beaten with bamboo sticks.
Mr. Singh said footage from closed-circuit cameras installed at the rally venue as well as footage and photographs from television channels and other media outlets were being examined to identify those who attacked Ms. Padhi as well as other police personnel.
A male constable is also being treated in the hospital where Ms. Padhi is now.
