Bhubaneswar, July 13: Opposition Biju Janata Dal (BJD) and Congress have demanded action against Governor Raghubar Das’s son, Lalit Kumar, following allegations that he and five others assaulted an assistant section officer at the Raj Bhavan in Puri.
Baikuntha Pradhan, the assistant section officer, claimed that he was physically assaulted by Lalit Kumar and his associates while supervising President Droupadi Murmu’s visit on July 7.
BJD spokesperson Pratap Keshari Deb condemned the incident, questioning police’s inaction and urging Chief Minister Mohan Majhi to ensure justice.
On the other hand, Congress’s youth and student wing NSUI had demonstrated outside Raj Bhavan, demanded FIR against Kumar.
Youth Congress criticized the delay in police action and vowed to continue protests until Kumar’s arrest, although police later dispersed them.
NSUI state president Yashir Nawaz stated, “The Governor’s son, accompanied by friends and personal security, assaulted an official. Despite over six days passing, no FIR has been registered.”
Pradhan’s wife alleged that Kumar targeted her husband due to dissatisfaction with transportation arrangements. She expressed frustration over the lack of action despite her husband’s complaint and demanded justice.
In his complaint to the Governor’s principal secretary, Pradhan detailed severe physical assault, including threats to his life.
When asked about the reason behind the incident, Pradhan’s wife said, "The Governor’s son was upset because my husband did not arrange for a luxury vehicle to pick him up."
