Bhubaneswar: Former Dharamshala MLA Pranab Balabantray was reportedly attacked by a gang today while en route to Arua village for a yatra to Hingula Maa. The opposition Biju Janata Dal(BJD) has alleged that the attack was orchestrated by Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) workers, associates of local MLA Himanshu Sahu, and Members of the mining mafia.
According to party spokesperson Bhrugu Baxipatra, the attack occurred in the presence of the local Police Administration and the Jenapur Inspector-in-Charge (IIC). He strongly condemned the police’s alleged inaction, stating that instead of arresting the attackers, they merely seized weapons such as swords, clubs, and sticks.
Shri Baxipatra further alleged that Shri Balabantray made a video call to the Jajpur Superintendent of Police (SP) during the attack, but received no response. He also claimed that Shri Balabantray had informed the Jajpur SP of potential threats two hours prior to the incident.
The party alleges that this is the fifth attempt on Shri Balabantray’s life, attributing previous attacks on his vehicle, residence, and party office to MLA . Despite repeated FIRs, the opposition alleges that the police have taken no action.
The party asserts that these repeated attacks are occurring with the “presence and encouragement of the district police.”
Former Chief Minister and Leader of Opposition, Naveen Patnaik, has strongly condemned the attack, expressing deep concern over the “unilateral actions of the state government and police administration” and the “targeted attacks on public representatives.” He has urged the government to take immediate action against those involved.
Senior party leader and Coordination Committee Chairman, Debi Prasad Mishra talked to Additional Inspector General of Police (Law and Order) Sanjay Kumar, and has demanded the immediate arrest of the perpetrators.
Shri Baxipatra stated that if the attackers are not arrested within 48 hours, they will submit a memorandum to the Director General of Police.
In response to allegations leveled by the Biju Janata Dal (BJD) that he and his associates were involved in an attack on former Dharamshala MLA Pranab Balabantray, MLA Himanshu Sahu has vehemently denied any connection to the incident.
Shri Sahu refuted the BJD’s claims, stating that the accusations are politically motivated and baseless. He asserted that he and his supporters have no involvement in the alleged attack and that the BJD is attempting to tarnish his reputation.
“These allegations are completely false and fabricated,” Shri Sahu stated in a press conference held today. “The BJD is trying to politicize the incident and falsely implicate me and my supporters. I have nothing to do with what happened.”
He further countered the BJD’s claims of police inaction, stating that the law enforcement agencies are conducting a thorough investigation into the incident. Shri Sahu also questioned the BJD’s motives, suggesting they are attempting to divert attention from their own shortcomings.
“The police are investigating the matter, and I have full faith in their ability to bring the perpetrators to justice,” Shri Sahu added. “The BJD is making these allegations to create unrest and gain political mileage.”