Calls for Action Intensify Against Raghubar Das's Son Following His Resignation as Odisha Governor
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New Delhi, Dec 26 (NationPress) Following the acceptance of Raghubar Das's resignation as Governor of Odisha by President Droupadi Murmu, there has been a surge in criticism aimed at the Mohan Majhi-led government, accusing it of inaction regarding an assault case related to his son.
In July, Raghubar Das’s son faced allegations of assaulting a government worker, Baikuntha Pradhan, over the failure to provide a luxury vehicle for his reception at the railway station.
The incident reportedly took place at the Governor’s House in Puri on July 7, during President Murmu's visit to partake in the Lord Jagannath Rath Yatra. Pradhan was assigned to oversee preparations for her arrival.
On July 10, he filed an FIR, seeking justice after being allegedly assaulted and subjected to mental harassment by Das’s son and four other individuals. Shortly after the incident, the state administration transferred him away from the Governor’s secretariat.
This matter was subsequently addressed in the Odisha Assembly, where the government claimed that the Puri district magistrate was looking into the accusations and would provide a report in a month's time.
Former Chief Minister Naveen Patnaik, who highlighted the matter in the Assembly, asserted that no actions had been taken against the accused due to one of them being the son of the Governor.
After Das's resignation, the Biju Janata Dal (BJD) reiterated its demand for accountability from the former Governor's son.
The party emphasized that an investigation was promised following demands from opposition parties in July. “The government had announced an inquiry by the Puri district magistrate, with a report due shortly. However, this commitment has not been fulfilled, and no actions have been taken,” stated BJD spokesperson Lenin Mohanty.
He further remarked that the silence of the BJP government regarding this incident underscores the fragile law and order situation in the state. “Although Raghubar Das has stepped down, it is uncertain whether the BJP government will now ensure justice for the assistant section officer,” Mohanty added.
The family of the assaulted government employee expressed hope that legal actions would be pursued against the individuals involved.
Previously, a press statement from the Raj Bhavan indicated that Das resigned for personal reasons. A former chief minister of Jharkhand, he was appointed as Governor of Odisha on October 18, 2023.
