BJP Worker Alleges Assault by Senior BJD Leaders
Political tensions have flared in Nuapada district, Odisha, ahead of the upcoming by-election, following an alleged assault on a BJP supporter by top leaders of the Biju Janata Dal (BJD).
According to reports, State Organisational Secretary Pranab Prakash Das (Bobi) and MLA Adhiraj Panigrahi have been accused of physically assaulting and threatening to kill a local resident, Jitu Adabanga, a former BJD worker who recently joined the BJP.
Incident at Komana Farmhouse Sparks Outrage
The alleged attack took place at the farmhouse of BJD leader Manoj Mishra in Komana. As per the FIR filed at Komana Police Station, Jitu claimed that he was lured to the farmhouse under false pretences, where he was verbally abused and beaten.
In his statement, Jitu alleged that Bobi Das caught his shirt and slapped him repeatedly, while MLA Adhiraj Panigrahi joined in the threats.
“If you don’t know me, I will kill you and your entire family,” Bobi allegedly said, according to Jitu’s FIR.
Jitu added that he was saved only after the local police intervened in time, saying, “If they had come late, I would have been killed.”
FIR Filed, But No Arrests Yet
An FIR has been registered under BNS sections 296, 126(2), 115(2), (3), and (5). However, no arrests have been made so far, triggering public anger over what locals call police inaction.
Citizens in Komana have accused IIC Rashmita Pradhan of shielding the accused leaders, as she allegedly avoids calls and has not taken concrete steps in the case.
Flying Squad Raids BJD Leader’s Residence
Meanwhile, election surveillance teams intensified their operations in the area. On Thursday, a flying squad accompanied by two magistrates and a police platoon raided the residence of BJD leader Pritiranjan Ghadai on Kharial Road.
Officials reportedly seized a large sum of cash, suspected to be intended for voter bribery, as part of the Election Commission’s crackdown on illegal activities during the by-election period.
By-Election Turns Hostile Amid Accusations of Muscle Power
With just days to go before polling, the political climate in Nuapada has turned increasingly volatile. Allegations of violence, intimidation, and misuse of power have clouded the electoral process.
Residents and civil society groups have demanded a fair investigation and judicial oversight, urging that the matter be brought before the court without delay.
Local observers note that the incident has once again exposed the growing use of political muscle in rural Odisha’s elections, raising questions about law enforcement neutrality and democratic integrity ahead of the crucial by-poll.