BJD Demands Action for Official Assaulted at Puri Raj Bhavan

The opposition Biju Janata Dal (BJD) leaders met with the Director General of Police on Monday, seeking justice for a government official allegedly assaulted by Governor Raghubar Das’s son at the Raj Bhavan in Puri in July. The incident occurred while the official was on duty for President Droupadi Murmu, who was visiting the temple town for Lord Jagannath’s Ratha Yatra.

The BJD claimed that the state government had not taken any action against the accused. In a memorandum submitted to Odisha DGP YB Khurania, the party stated: "We wish to draw your attention to a deeply troubling incident at Raj Bhavan in Puri, where an Assistant Section Officer (ASO) was brutally beaten up... This act of humiliation and violence has sparked widespread outrage across the state." The inquiry process appears to have stalled, and justice remains elusive, it claimed.

Communal Tensions and Other Issues

During their meeting with the DGP, the BJD also raised concerns about communal tensions in Balasore and the hooch tragedy in Ganjam. They discussed various other matters related to law and order in the state. The party emphasised that these issues need immediate attention from the authorities.

The party also brought up this issue in the assembly on Saturday. Leader of the Opposition Naveen Patnaik stated that an on-duty government officer was "called and violently attacked by the Governor’s son and was humiliated." He questioned whether laws apply differently to sons of high-ranking officials, asking, "If you are Governor’s son or minister’s son or MP’s son or MLA’s sons or a senior officer’s son, is the law different for such a person? Is he immune from any prosecution?"

Memorandum Highlights

The memorandum highlighted that "The lack of sympathy and response from the highest quarter and inaction by the administration is causing deep anguish among the Odia people." The BJD stressed that such incidents undermine public trust in law enforcement and governance.

The party delegation expressed their dissatisfaction with how the investigation has been handled so far. They urged for a swift and fair inquiry to ensure justice for the assaulted official. The BJD leaders believe that prompt action is necessary to restore faith in the state's legal system.

The incident has caused significant unrest among citizens, who are demanding accountability from those in power. The BJD's call for justice reflects broader concerns about law enforcement's effectiveness and impartiality in handling cases involving influential individuals.

Ensuring justice in this case is crucial for maintaining public confidence in legal institutions. The opposition's efforts aim to highlight systemic issues within law enforcement that need addressing to prevent future occurrences.