Kendrapada: Police arrested one person on Monday in connection with the ongoing dispute involving Tikhiri Sarpanch Chameli Ojha and the local administration in Mahakalpada block of the district.
The arrest was made based on a complaint earlier lodged by the female Sarpanch alleging misconduct during the incident. The arrested individual has been identified as Parthasarathi Samantaray.
According to police sources, the Mahakalpada police took him into custody on charges related to snatching a mobile phone and alleged misbehaviour. The action follows an FIR lodged by Chameli Ojha, who had named seven individuals in connection with the incident.
The dispute between the Tikhiri sarpanch and block administration had drawn attention in the area, with allegations and counter-allegations emerging from both sides. Following the complaint, police initiated an investigation and proceeded with the arrest of one of the seven accused persons.
Officials said further investigation is underway to ascertain the role of the other individuals named in the FIR. Police have not ruled out additional action as the probe continues. The case remains under investigation, and authorities are examining all aspects of the allegations raised by Chameli Ojha in her written complaint.
No comments were received from the local police in this regard. “I request Chief Minister Mohan Charan Majhi through the media that a special audit may be conducted on Tikhiri panchayat. So that what development works have been done here will come to the light. Why were her (Chameli Ojha’s) bills stopped? I am also a samiti member, I do have funds, and I am also working in the panchayat,” a local woman said to media.
“My bills have never been stopped. Why were her (Chameli’s) bills stopped then? She must have adopted corrupt practices, for which her bills have been stopped to carry out a probe. She is doing a farce to avoid the eyes of people and hide her corruption,” the woman added.
Earlier, the Odisha government has sought a detailed report on the matter.