The arrest of BJP leader Jagannath Pradhan in Jharpada, Odisha, marks a significant development in the case involving the assault of a Bhubaneswar Municipal Corporation (BMC) official. Pradhan's arrest brings the total number of individuals apprehended in connection with the incident to six.
The case revolves around the alleged assault on Ratnakar Sahoo, an Additional Commissioner of the BMC. The incident occurred earlier in the week when a group of individuals reportedly attacked Sahoo in his office. Reports indicate that the attackers dragged Sahoo out of his office and physically assaulted him. The incident, which took place during a public grievance hearing, was captured on video and widely circulated on social media, sparking public outrage and condemnation.
Following the incident, the Odisha Administrative Service (OAS) Association demanded the immediate arrest of Jagannath Pradhan, whom they identified as the "prime accused" and "kingpin" behind the attack. The association also called for enhanced security for field officers and a public condemnation of the incident from the government. In protest against the assault and to press for action, OAS officers across the state initiated a "cease work" agitation, which disrupted administrative functions. With Pradhan's arrest, the OAS Association has announced the withdrawal of their "cease work" and OAS officers will resume their duties from July 4th.
Jagannath Pradhan surrendered to the police and stated his willingness to cooperate with the investigation. Prior to his arrest, Pradhan expressed concern about the potential disruption of services in flood-affected areas and the upcoming Rath Yatra and Sunabesha festivals due to the protests. He stated that if his arrest could resolve the issue, he was ready to cooperate.
After his arrest, Pradhan underwent a medical examination at Capital Hospital. He is expected to be presented in court, where further legal proceedings will take place.
In the wake of the assault, the BMC has strongly condemned the attack, with BMC Commissioner Rajesh Prabhakar Patil vowing strict action against those responsible. BMC staff wore black badges in solidarity with Additional Commissioner Ratnakar Sahoo to protest the incident.
The Odisha Congress President, Bhakta Charan Das, has alleged the BJP's involvement in the assault. He asserted that the BJP believes in violent approaches and demanded Pradhan's arrest and disciplinary action against him.
Prior to Pradhan's arrest, police had already apprehended five individuals in connection with the assault. Those arrested include Sanjeev Mishra, Sachikant Swain, Jeevan Rout, Rashmi Mahapatra, and Debashis Pradhan. Following the initial arrests, the BJP suspended these individuals from the party's primary membership.
The arrest of Jagannath Pradhan has drawn significant attention, with his supporters staging protests outside the DCP's office. The incident has raised concerns about the relationship between political entities and administrative bodies in Odisha. The unfolding events are expected to have political repercussions and could influence the state's political landscape.
