Bhubaneswar, June 18: Tikhiri Panchayat Sarpanch Chameli Ojha, who had been undergoing treatment since June 11, was discharged from the hospital on Thursday. Upon her return, villagers accorded her a warm welcome in Tikhiri Panchayat, expressing solidarity and support.
Earlier, Ojha had announced that she would stage a dharna in front of the Kendrapara Superintendent of Police (SP) office on June 24 if her demands were not addressed. She alleged that she had not received justice from both the district SP and the concerned Inspector-in-Charge (IIC).
The sarpanch stated that she had submitted letters detailing her grievances to the Director General of Police (DGP) and the Inspector General (IG) of Police. In her representations, she sought action against seven individuals allegedly involved in the dispute, as well as certain police officials. According to Ojha, despite repeated appeals, no satisfactory action has been taken so far.
She also levelled serious allegations against the medical authorities who treated her. Ojha claimed that records related to her hospital admission between June 11 and June 13 had not been provided. She further alleged that discharge papers from the initial phase of her treatment, along with some medical test reports, were withheld.
Additionally, Ojha alleged that a doctor had handed her over to the police against her wishes. She had earlier maintained that she would not leave the hospital until all relevant medical documents were made available to her.
Meanwhile, Mahakalapada Block Development Officer (BDO) Rabinarayan Acharya broke his silence on the controversy after eight days and presented his version of the events that led to the dispute.
Acharya alleged that Ojha had recorded a video in his chamber despite being instructed not to. He further claimed that none of the individuals who entered his office on the day of the incident had obtained prior permission. According to the BDO, a heated argument erupted between two groups inside the office premises, prompting him to file a complaint with the police.
Rejecting allegations regarding pending official dues, Acharya asserted that no bills related to the sarpanch were pending. He emphasized the need for an early resolution of the dispute to ensure the smooth functioning of the block administration.
The controversy has attracted considerable political and administrative attention in Kendrapara district, with both sides presenting conflicting accounts of the incident. Authorities have yet to issue a detailed response to the latest allegations and demands raised by the sarpanch.
