Did BJD Leader Pritiranjan Gharai Demand ECI Probe into Alleged Police Raid?
Click to start listening
Synopsis
BJD leader Pritiranjan Gharai demands an ECI probe into an alleged police raid at his residence. His claims highlight issues of law enforcement overreach and the potential violation of democratic principles. As the by-election approaches, this incident raises critical questions about political freedom and police conduct in the region.
Key Takeaways
- Pritiranjan Gharai demands an inquiry into alleged police misconduct.
- Claims of significant damage and emotional distress resulted from the raid.
- The incident raises concerns about the Model Code of Conduct.
- Gharai's fundamental rights are at the center of the controversy.
- Implications for the upcoming Nuapada by-election are significant.
Bhubaneswar, Nov 5 (NationPress) Prominent Biju Janata Dal (BJD) figure and key campaigner for the upcoming Nuapada by-election, Pritiranjan Gharai, has reached out to the Election Commission of India (ECI), seeking an urgent and unbiased investigation by a neutral entity into a purported illegal police raid that occurred at his rented residence on Khariar Road in Nuapada district.
The former minister disclosed in his publicly released letter on Wednesday that he is urging the ECI to impose strict penalties on the “lawbreakers” before the Nuapada bypoll set for November 11.
“On October 31, while I was actively campaigning at Mota Nuapada Gram Panchayat in Nuapada Block and away from my home, at approximately 1:22 PM, a contingent of police officers unlawfully entered my rented premises on Khariar Road without any search warrant, authorization, or order from a competent authority,” Gharai claimed.
The senior BJD official further asserted that even after the house caretaker informed the police about his absence and that he would return shortly for lunch, the officers forcibly entered his home.
He accused the police of damaging and destroying household items, campaign materials, and other personal effects during the unlawful intrusion, resulting in significant loss and emotional distress.
“This action by the police constitutes a significant misuse of official power and clearly breaches the Model Code of Conduct, which requires impartiality and forbids the use of official authority to threaten or hinder the political activities of any campaigner,” Gharai stated.
The alleged unlawful actions by the police also infringe upon his fundamental rights protected under Articles 14, 19, and 21 of the Constitution of India, indicating a malicious intent to instill fear among BJD campaigners and their supporters.
He characterized the police's actions as undemocratic, barbaric, and unacceptable in a civilized society.
Point of View
The allegations made by Pritiranjan Gharai highlight the critical need for impartiality in law enforcement, especially during election periods. Such incidents can undermine public trust in both the police and the electoral process, which is foundational to our democracy. NationPress stands firmly for the principles of fair play and accountability.
NationPress
26/12/2025
Frequently Asked Questions
What prompted Pritiranjan Gharai to contact the ECI?
He is seeking an immediate and impartial inquiry into an alleged unlawful police raid at his rented residence.
What allegations did Gharai make against the police?
He alleged that police unlawfully entered his home without a search warrant, causing damage to his property.
What are the implications of this incident for the upcoming bypoll?
This incident raises questions about the integrity of law enforcement during elections and the potential intimidation of political campaigners.
What does Gharai claim about his fundamental rights?
He asserts that the police's actions violate his rights guaranteed under the Constitution of India.
How has Gharai described the police's conduct?
He has labeled their actions as undemocratic, barbaric, and unacceptable in a civilized society.
