Bhubaneswar, (Reporterspen), April 22: Senior Biju Janata Dal (BJD) figure and Puri Lok Sabha contender, Arup Patnaik, took ill during a campaign event near Pipili amidst oppressive heat. Sources indicate that the former Mumbai Police Commissioner was promptly transported to a nearby medical facility and subsequently transferred to Bhubaneswar.
Patnaik, along with BJD’s Pipili Assembly candidate, Rudra Maharathy, was engaged in an election rally when the Lok Sabha aspirant became unwell.
During the campaign activities, party members and leaders were advancing in a procession from Uttara Chhak when Patnaik suddenly fell ill near Haat Chhak in Pipili, seemingly due to the intense heat and humidity prevailing in the area.
Patnaik, who was standing atop an open campaign vehicle, reportedly collapsed. Swift action was taken by party workers who immediately administered water and rushed him to Pipili Hospital. Medical professionals attributed his fainting spell to a drop in blood pressure. After receiving initial treatment at the hospital, he was transferred to Bhubaneswar. His condition was reported to be stable.
