Bhubaneswar, July 9: Odisha BJP leader Jagannath Pradhan, who was arrested in connection with the assault on Bhubaneswar Municipal Corporation (BMC) Additional Commissioner Ratnakar Sahoo, was granted bail on Wednesday.
The Khordha District and Sessions Judge Court granted the bail with a bond of Rs 30,000 and personal surety by a bailer.
As per reports, Pradhan had earlier applied for bail in the Sub-Divisional Judicial Magistrate (SDJM) court, which rejected his plea. Following this, he approached the District and Sessions Court for relief.
Notably, the assault on Ratnakar Sahoo reportedly took place inside the BMC office during a grievance redressal meeting on June 30, when a group of miscreants allegedly launched an attack on the official.
The Odisha Administrative Service (OAS) Association had listed Pradhan's arrest as one of its main demands following the assault on the official.
Later on July 3, Pradhan surrendered before the Commissionerate Police at the Bhubaneswar DCP office. Thereafter, Kharavela Nagar Police arrested Pradhan and sent him to judicial custody.
Before surrendering, Pradhan told the media, “I have openly condemned the attack and have no role in the assault on the BMC official. Attempts are being made to tarnish my image and discredit the State Government.”
He has been booked under multiple sections of the Bharat Nyaya Sanhita (BNS) for his alleged involvement in the assault.
In addition to Pradhan, five others have also been arrested in connection with the case.
