Argus News - Odisha MLA Threatened by Dadan Agents, Probe Underway

Kantabanji, Dec 4: Tension gripped Balangir district after Kantabanji MLA Laxman Bag alleged that he was openly threatened with death by labour trafficking agents while attempting to stop suspected dadan (illegal labour migration) activities. The incident reportedly occurred late on Wednesday night, December 3, at Kantabanji railway station.

According to the MLA’s complaint, he had gone to the station around 11:30 pm when the Korba-Visakhapatnam Link Express arrived at platform number two. Bag noticed over 50 men, women, and children from the local area waiting to board the train. On questioning them, several admitted they were travelling to Hyderabad and Vijayawada, raising suspicions of organised labour trafficking.

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The MLA immediately alerted the task force set up to curb dadan activities, along with RPF, GRP, and local police. At that moment, a group of agents allegedly rushed towards him. Identified among them were Mohammad Imran Khan alias Bunty, P. Harun Khan, and Bunty Behera, along with several others. They reportedly abused the legislator in foul language and issued direct death threats.

Imran Khan alias Bunty is alleged to have shouted: “Who are you to stop my workers? Leave the station immediately or I will shoot you, cut you into pieces, and throw you on the railway tracks.” The MLA claimed the threats were made in full public view, amid the crowd at the station.

Fearing for his safety, Bag retreated with his security personnel and lodged a formal complaint at the Kantabanji GRP outpost, which was forwarded to Titlagarh railway police station. Based on his complaint, GRP police have initiated an investigation. However, no arrests have been made so far.

The incident has sparked concern over the growing menace of dadan trafficking in western Odisha and the boldness of agents operating in public spaces.