Bhubaneswar, July 1: Odisha BJP President Manmohan Samal has suspended five party members for their alleged involvement in the brutal assault on Ratnakar Sahoo, Additional Commissioner of the Bhubaneswar Municipal Corporation (BMC). Those suspended include Corporator Aparupa Narayan Rout, Rasmi Ranjan Mohapatra, Debasish Pradhan, Sachikanta Swain, and Sanjib Mishra.

The incident occurred during a public grievance hearing at the BMC office, where over 100 citizens were present. Six BJP workers reportedly stormed into Sahoo’s office, forcibly dragged him outside, and assaulted him with repeated kicks and punches. The entire episode was captured on CCTV. Police have arrested three accused so far, and further investigation is underway.
The attack has triggered massive outrage. BMC employees launched a protest, demanding strict action against the culprits and greater protection for civic officials. The Odisha Administrative Service (OAS) Association also condemned the incident, announcing a mass leave to express solidarity with the victim.

Former Chief Minister Naveen Patnaik strongly criticized the violence, urging the state government to take immediate and exemplary action. The incident has cast a shadow over public grievance mechanisms, raising serious concerns about official safety and political accountability.

Powered by Froala Editor