Bhubaneswar: The Commissionerate Police has arrested three individuals in connection with the alleged assault on Bhubaneswar Municipal Corporation (BMC) Additional Commissioner Ratnakar Sahu. The accused have been identified as BJP corporator Jeevan Rout, Rashmi Mahapatra, and Debashis Pradhan.
Confirming the development, Bhubaneswar DCP Jagmohan Meena said, “The three accused will be forwarded to the Honourable Court under stringent sections of law as per the FIR lodged. Further investigation is underway to ascertain the involvement of other individuals.”
The incident occurred earlier today during a grievance redressal session at the BMC office, sparking tensions within the premises. According to sources, Sahu was addressing complaints from corporators when a group of around five to six individuals—allegedly associates of a corporator—stormed into his chamber. They reportedly attempted to drag him out and physically assaulted him.
The assault triggered outrage among BMC staff, who immediately launched a sit-in protest demanding strict action against the culprits. Police personnel were deployed to maintain law and order in and around the BMC office.
The matter was promptly reported to the Kharavelnagar Police Station. Investigation teams arrived at the scene and have begun reviewing CCTV footage to identify all those involved.
Later, Bhubaneswar Mayor Sulochana Das, BJD MLA Ananta Narayan Jena, and several BJD corporators staged a demonstration condemning the attack. They have demanded exemplary punishment for those responsible for the assault on the senior civic official.
OAS Association demands action
The Odisha Administrative Service (OAS) Association has strongly condemned the recent attack on the BMC Additional Commissioner and has demanded immediate and stringent action against the culprits. The Association held an emergency meeting on Monday to discuss the escalating incidents of violence against government officials and resolved to press for greater security measures. The OAS Association has indicated that it will pursue the matter vigorously with the state government and relevant departments to ensure the safety and security of its members and all government employees. Further actions, including potential protests or representations, may be considered if their demands for decisive action are not met.
Utterly Shocked: Naveen
Bhubaneswar: Voicing concern over the assault of a senior officer of Bhubaneswar Municipal Corporation (BMC), BJD president Naveen Patnaik on Monday demanded immediate and exemplary action against those involved in the incident.
The former Chief Minister said he was utterly shocked seeking a video of the incident. Ratnakar Sahoo, Additional Commissioner, BMC, a senior officer of the rank of Additional Secretary was dragged from his office and brutally kicked and assaulted in front of a BJP corporator, he said.
“What is more appalling is that this happened in broad daylight, in the heart of the capital city – Bhubaneswar to a senior officer while he was in his office, hearing grievances of people,” said Naveen, who is also the Leader of Opposition (LoP) in Odisha Assembly.
The former CM expressed the hope that Majhi will direct immediate action to be taken to restore faith in his government and not allow this heinous act to go unpunished like the assault on an officer by the ex-Governor’s son. “The people of Odisha will not forgive this,” he added.
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