Bhubaneswar: The Odisha Administrative Service (OAS) Association has vehemently condemned the recent assault on Bhubaneswar Municipal Corporation (BMC) Additional Commissioner Ratnakar Sahoo, demanding the immediate arrest of Senior BJP Leader Jagannath Pradhan, whom they have labeled the “prime accused” and “kingpin” behind the attack.
The incident has sparked outrage among government employees and intensified tensions among the officials across the state.
The alleged assault on Ratnakar Sahoo, an Assistant Executive Engineer with the BMC, occurred on 30 June inside the BMC office premises, while he was attending grievance redressal meeting.
According to preliminary reports and Shri Sahoo’s complaint, he was accosted by a group of individuals who physically assaulted him. The attack is widely perceived as a retaliation for his official duties, particularly vested interests.
President of the OAS Association, stated, “This is not merely an attack on an individual officer; it is an assault on the entire administrative machinery and the rule of law. We have credible information and strong reasons to believe that Senior BJP Leader Jagannath Pradhan orchestrated this heinous act. He is the kingpin, and until he is apprehended, justice will not be served.” The Association has threatened to launch a state-wide agitation, including mass leave and protests, if their demands are not met.
Sources close to the investigation indicate that a formal complaint has been lodged with Twin City Police based on Ratnakar Sahoo’s statement. Police have reportedly initiated an investigation, examining CCTV footage from the area and questioning potential witnesses. Three persons have been arrested. The BJP leadership has yet to issue an official statement regarding the allegations against their senior leader, Jagannath Pradhan. State BJP President Man Mohan Samal has suspended five leaders in this connection. However no action has been taken against Shri Pradhan, who is a prominent leader of the Governing BJP.
The assault on Ratnakar Sahoo is not an isolated one but comes amidst a backdrop of escalating officials and political friction and concerns over law and order across Odisha. In recent months, the state has witnessed a series of incidents involving alleged attacks on government officials, political workers, and increasing confrontations between ruling and opposition party cadres.
Analysts suggest that the high handedness of the Governing Party Leaders are contributing to the heightened political temperature. Both the Opposition Biju Janata Dal (BJD) and the Governing BJP are engaged in aggressive campaigns, leading to frequent clashes and accusations of intimidation.
There have been reports from various districts about instances of vandalism, disruption of public meetings, and even minor skirmishes. The opposition BJD and Congress often accuses the government of misusing power and targeting their leaders, while the ruling party alleges attempts to disrupt peace and development.
“Such incidents undermine the morale of public servants who are striving to discharge their duties impartially,” remarked a political analyst based here. “The onus is on the police to conduct a fair and swift investigation, irrespective of the political affiliations of those involved, to restore public confidence in the justice system.”
The OAS Association’s strong stance and the direct accusation against a prominent political figure have brought the issue to the forefront, putting immense pressure on the police and the state government to act decisively. The coming days will be crucial in determining the course of the investigation and the potential political fallout from this contentious incident.