Attack On BMC Official: Tensions Escalate Over Dispute
Key Points
The official—whose identity is yet to be formally disclosed—was carrying out routine field duties when the incident occurred.
Municipal employees also staged a brief demonstration outside the BMC headquarters in solidarity with their colleague, demanding stricter security protocols and immediate arrest of the perpetrators.
Minister for Housing and Urban Development, Krushna Chandra Mohapatra also condemned the assault and described the incident as deeply distressing.
Bhubaneswar, July 1: Tension ran high at the office of the Bhubaneswar Municipal Corporation (BMC) after a senior Odisha Administrative Service (OAS) officer and additional commissioner was allegedly attacked during public hearing.
According to reports, the official, Ratnakar Sahoo, was at the office for the weekly public grievance hearing session when some people, alleged to be supporters and workers of a local BJP leader, entered his chamber and grabbed him by the collar.
Following the incident, the BMC staff staged a dharna at the corporation office and demanded immediate action against the culprits. The staff and corporators also blocked the Janpath road in the evening.
Later, Sahoo also lodged a formal complaint with the Kharvela Nagar police in the connection. Based on the complaint, the Kharvela Nagar police arrested three persons in connection with the case.
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✨Taking note of the reports, Minister for Housing and Urban Development, Krushna Chandra Mohapatra condemned the assault and described the incident as deeply distressing.
The minister emphasised that no leniency will be shown to those guilty, regardless of their political affiliation.
Mohapatra assured that a thorough investigation is underway and all facts will be made public in due course. "No compromise will be made during the inquiry," he stated.
Reportedly, Police are investigation the case in accordance with legal protocols, and the administration remains vigilant about protecting its employees from such violent acts.
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