What Happened During the Assault on a BMC Official?
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Synopsis
Bhubaneswar witnessed a dramatic protest by BJD corporators demanding justice for the assault on BMC's Additional Commissioner. The incident raises serious questions about safety and law enforcement in Odisha's capital. The situation escalated with calls for immediate action against those involved, highlighting the intersection of politics and public safety.
Key Takeaways
- BJD corporators protested over the assault on a BMC official.
- Immediate arrests were demanded for those involved in the attack.
- Three individuals were arrested by the police.
- The incident raised significant concerns about political safety.
- Public trust in governance is at stake.
Bhubaneswar, June 30 (NationPress) A significant scene transpired in Bhubaneswar on Monday evening as corporators from the opposition Biju Janata Dal (BJD) and personnel from the Bhubaneswar Municipal Corporation (BMC) initiated a road blockade on the busy Janpath Road of the city.
They were insisting on the swift arrest of individuals involved in an assault, including a corporator, reportedly associated with a senior figure in the ruling BJP, for attacking Ratnakar Sahoo, an Additional Commissioner of the BMC, earlier that day.
The protest caused significant disruption, stranding numerous commuters and vehicles for over an hour between Vani Vihar Square and Master Canteen Square.
“We are demanding that all those involved in this incident be arrested immediately and charged under severe laws related to ‘Attempt to murder’,” stated BMC Mayor Sulochana Das.
In the meantime, prominent BJD figures including Ashok Panda, Arun Sahoo, and Mayor Sulochana Das were subsequently taken into custody from the site of the sit-in protest.
The police later managed to restore order by removing the protestors.
In response to the viral video of the assault circulating on social media, Leader of Opposition Naveen Patnaik expressed his shock, stating, “I am utterly shocked seeing this video.
Today, Ratnakar Sahoo, OAS Additional Commissioner of the BMC, a senior officer equivalent to Additional Secretary, was violently dragged from his office and brutally assaulted in the presence of a BJP Corporator, allegedly connected to a defeated BJP MLA candidate.
What is even more alarming is that this event took place in broad daylight, in the heart of our capital city - Bhubaneswar, targeting a senior officer while he was addressing public grievances.”
He also called for strict action against the individuals named in the complaint filed by Sahoo.
“I urge @MohanMOdisha Ji to take immediate and strict action not only against those who committed this act but also against the political leaders who orchestrated and conspired this disgraceful attack. The individuals named in the officer's FIR have acted like criminals. If a senior officer is not safe in his own office, what law and order can ordinary citizens expect from the Government? I sincerely hope that CM Majhi takes immediate action to restore trust in his administration and that this heinous act does not go unpunished like the attack on an officer by the son of the ex-Governor. The people of Odisha will not forgive this,” added Patnaik.
The Odisha Administrative Officers (OAS) association has also requested strict measures against the culprits. Following the FIR lodged by Sahoo, the Kharvel Nagar Police arrested three individuals identified as Jeevan Rout, Rashmi Mahapatra, and Debashis Pradhan on Monday evening.
According to the complaint, around 11:30 a.m. on Monday, during a public grievance meeting attended by other officers, staff, and citizens at the BMC office, six to seven unidentified individuals illegally entered the premises and assaulted him after inquiring whether he had spoken with BJP leader Jagannath Pradhan over the phone.
Point of View
This incident underscores the growing concern regarding safety and accountability in governance. The involvement of political elements raises serious questions about the integrity of public officials and the rule of law. As the situation unfolds, it is crucial for authorities to address these issues transparently and decisively to restore public trust.
NationPress
30/06/2025
Frequently Asked Questions
What triggered the protest in Bhubaneswar?
The protest was triggered by the assault of BMC's Additional Commissioner, Ratnakar Sahoo, allegedly involving individuals linked to the ruling BJP.
Who were arrested in connection with the assault?
Three individuals were arrested, identified as Jeevan Rout, Rashmi Mahapatra, and Debashis Pradhan.
What demands were made by the BJD during the protest?
The BJD demanded the immediate arrest of all individuals involved in the assault and called for serious charges against them.
What was the reaction of the Leader of Opposition?
The Leader of Opposition, Naveen Patnaik, expressed shock over the incident and called for stringent action against the perpetrators.
How did the police respond to the protest?
The police intervened to control the situation and removed the protestors from the area.
