Sand artist Sudarsan Pattnaik attacked by rogue youth

International sand artist Sudarsan Pattnaik was hospitalised following an injury after an unidentified youth attacked him. The miscreant reportedly attempted to snatch his wrist watch which resulted in him twisting his hand at the International Sand Art Festival on 3^rd December in Odisha’s Puri district.

According to reports, the rogue, after attacking him, disappeared in the crowd when Sudarsan tried to defend himself. The youth is yet to be identified.

"The youth caught hold of my arm during a handshake and tried to snatch my wrist watch. When I tried to resist, he attacked me and disappeared into the crowd," said the artist to Times of India.

Pattnaik is currently the ambassador of the five-day long festival, which was inaugurated on December 1 at Chandrabhaga beach near the famous Sun Temple in Konark.

According to reports, 70 participants, including 18 women and foreign nationals from different countries like Germany, Mexico, Ghana, Singapore, Canada, Spain, Sri Lanka, Russia are participating in the festival. The state’s department of tourism organized the festival.

Meanwhile social media was abuzz with tweets of the incident with some voicing concern and wishing a quick recovery to the artist.

what is happening? He is the messenger of peace through his sand art. Attack on him is very unfortunate. Pray for his speedy recovery.

— Ajay Nayak 🇮🇳 (@aknayak1980) December 4, 2017

Sick attitude of a youth who attacked our pride #Sand #Artist #SudarsanPattnaik is condemned by me. I pray for early recovery of @sudarsansand & hope @homeodisha is taking steps. @Naveen_Odisha @dpradhanbjp pic.twitter.com/v4MZBvq90B

— PrabinKP (@prabinkp) December 4, 2017

I'm Speechless & I Have No words To Say .I'm Really Very much Shocked !!! Is There That Type Of People Who Are Mentally Prepare To Attack A Legend Like Sand Artist Padma Shri Sudarshan Bhai @sudarsansand. Praying For His Quick Recovery. Get Well Soon. pic.twitter.com/LAZVTcIWe0

— Arabinda Rout (@ImAravindRout) December 4, 2017