Bhubaneswar, June 30: The Bhubaneswar Commissionerate Police have arrested three individuals in connection with the alleged assault on Bhubaneswar Municipal Corporation (BMC) Additional Commissioner Ratnakar Sahu. The accused have been identified as Jeevan Rout, Rashmi Mahapatra, and Debashis Pradhan.
Confirming the development, Bhubaneswar DCP Jagmohan Meena said, “The three accused will be forwarded to the Honourable Court under stringent sections of law as per the FIR lodged. Further investigation is underway to ascertain the involvement of other individuals.”
The incident occurred earlier today during a grievance redressal session at the BMC office, sparking tensions within the premises. According to sources, Sahu was addressing complaints from corporators when a group of around five to six individuals—allegedly associates of a corporator—stormed into his chamber. They reportedly attempted to drag him out and physically assaulted him.
The assault triggered outrage among BMC staff, who immediately launched a sit-in protest demanding strict action against the culprits. Police personnel were deployed to maintain law and order in and around the BMC office.
The matter was promptly reported to the Kharavelnagar Police Station. Investigation teams arrived at the scene and have begun reviewing CCTV footage to identify all those involved.
Meanwhile, Bhubaneswar Mayor Sulochana Das, BJD MLA Ananta Narayan Jena, and several BJD corporators staged a demonstration condemning the attack. They have demanded exemplary punishment for those responsible for the assault on the senior civic official.
