Did BJD Target the Odisha Government Over Alleged Assault on Woman BDO in Kendrapara?
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Synopsis
The Biju Janata Dal (BJD) has accused the Odisha government of failing to take action against a local BJP leader and his supporters who allegedly assaulted a woman Block Development Officer. This incident raises serious concerns about the safety of public servants and the accountability of political leaders in Odisha.
Key Takeaways
- BJD accused the Odisha government of protecting criminals.
- Allegations against BJP leader Lalit Kumar Behera.
- Demand for immediate police action and investigation.
- Concerns about the safety of women in public service.
- Previous incidents indicate a troubling trend of violence against officials.
Bhubaneswar, Jan 5 (NationPress) The opposition Biju Janata Dal (BJD) has leveled accusations against the state government concerning an alleged attack on a female Block Development Officer (BDO) by a local BJP leader and his associates at Rajnagar in Kendrapara district last Friday. The party claims the government is protecting criminals rather than taking necessary actions against them.
On the same day, a BJD team approached Y B Khurania, the Director General of Police (DGP) in Odisha, at his Cuttack office, presenting a memorandum that calls for the immediate filing of an FIR regarding the incident and the apprehension of all those involved.
The memorandum from the regional party states, “Evidence and CCTV footage reveal that around 30–40 BJP members, led by Lalit Kumar Behera, the party’s Rajnagar Assembly candidate, forcibly entered the BDO’s office. They pressured her to comply with their demands. When she insisted on adhering to government regulations, Behera, in a fit of anger, seized the computer from her desk and attempted to attack her, with others intervening to avert a serious injury.”
Furthermore, the BJD alleged that the group, under BJP leadership, verbally abused and threatened the BDO, Tilottama Prusty, creating a hostile atmosphere in her office.
The BJD referenced a previous incident involving a severe assault on a senior officer in the Bhubaneswar Municipal Corporation (BMC) last June, indicating that such violent actions against government officials by individuals connected to ruling party members is a troubling trend under the BJP-led administration.
“These ongoing assaults are not mere isolated incidents; they represent direct assaults on law and order, the dignity and independence of public servants, and the constitutional right to a secure working environment, particularly for female officers,” the party asserted.
The BJD urged the DGP of Odisha to swiftly register an FIR regarding the Rajnagar incident, promptly identify and arrest all suspects visible in the CCTV footage, including Lalit Kumar Behera, and conduct a comprehensive and unbiased investigation into this criminal intimidation and attempted assault on a public servant.
The party has also indicated a readiness to initiate protests if no action is taken against those responsible for the incident.
Point of View
The situation highlights the growing concerns surrounding the safety of public officials, particularly women, in the face of political aggression. The BJD's demands for accountability reflect a critical need for law enforcement to act impartially and uphold the rule of law in Odisha.
NationPress
09/01/2026
Frequently Asked Questions
What happened in Kendrapara?
A woman Block Development Officer was allegedly assaulted by a local BJP leader and his supporters, prompting the BJD to seek police action.
Who is Lalit Kumar Behera?
Lalit Kumar Behera is the BJP’s candidate for the Rajnagar Assembly, accused of leading the assault on the BDO.
What is the BJD demanding?
The BJD is demanding an immediate FIR registration and arrest of all involved in the incident.
How did the police respond?
The BJD delegation met the DGP of Odisha to present their demands for justice regarding the incident.
What is the significance of this incident?
This incident raises serious questions about the safety of public servants and the accountability of political leaders.
