Bhubaneswar, June 30: Biju Janata Dal (BJD) president and former Odisha Chief Minister Naveen Patnaik on Monday expressed deep outrage over the "brutal kicking and assault" of Bhubaneswar Municipal Corporation (BMC) Additional Commissioner Ratnakar Sahoo, urging Chief Minister Mohan Charan Majhi to initiate immediate and exemplary action against those responsible, including political leaders allegedly involved in the incident.
Patnaik shared a disturbing video on X (formerly Twitter), stating, “I am utterly shocked seeing this video. Today, Shri Ratnakar Sahoo, OAS, a senior officer of the rank of Additional Secretary, was dragged from his office and brutally kicked and assaulted in front of a BJP Corporator, allegedly linked to a defeated BJP MLA candidate.”
He further noted that the incident took place in broad daylight, right in the heart of the capital, while the officer was addressing public grievances from his office. “If a senior officer is not safe in his own office, then what law and order can ordinary citizens expect from this government?” Patnaik questioned, directly targeting the ruling BJP administration.
Calling for accountability, Patnaik demanded that those named by the officer in his FIR, who, he said, “behaved like criminals” — be brought to justice without delay. He cautioned Chief Minister Majhi not to repeat the inaction seen in the past, referencing a previous incident involving the former Governor’s son.
“I sincerely hope Shri Majhi directs swift and decisive action to restore public faith in his government. The people of Odisha will not forgive such heinous acts going unpunished,” Patnaik said.
Following the assault, BJD workers staged protests condemning the attack and demanding immediate arrests.
Deputy Commissioner of Police (Headquarters), Prakash Chandra Pal, confirmed that an investigation is underway. “Two teams have been formed. All those involved will be arrested,” he told.
The incident has sparked statewide concern over administrative safety and the prevailing law and order situation under the current government.
