BJD MP Sulata Deo Alleges Rape, Murder Threats From Mahindra Executive, Probe Ordered

Biju Janata Dal (BJD) MP Sulata Deo has alleged that she received rape and murder threats from a Mahindra Group executive, who she also identified as a BJP worker. Deo accused the police of failing to act despite her complaint and shared screenshots of the abusive messages on social media.

The accused, identified as Satyabrata Nayak, works at Mahindra's Nashik branch. The threats were reportedly linked to Deo's criticism of the BJP-led Odisha government following the death of a Puri girl who had suffered severe burn injuries after being abducted and set on fire. The girl later died while undergoing treatment at AIIMS, Delhi. Deo had accused the state government of mishandling the case and leaking the victim's video statement.

Mahindra Group Responds

After the allegations surfaced, Mahindra Group issued a statement reiterating its "zero tolerance" policy towards misconduct and threats. The company said it was aware of the inappropriate social media messages allegedly made by one of its employees and had launched an internal investigation with utmost seriousness. Mahindra assured that strict action would be taken if the allegations were confirmed.

Deo's Reaction

Deo, who posted the screenshots on X (formerly Twitter), tagged Prime Minister Narendra Modi, Union Home Minister Amit Shah, Mahindra Group Chairman Anand Mahindra, and Odisha Chief Minister Naveen Patnaik.
She wrote:

"Dear PMO India, a worker of the Mahindra company, Nasik, as well as a BJP worker, openly threatens a woman MP to rape and kill. If this is the situation, imagine what happens to the unprivileged women of Odisha!"

While Deo described Mahindra's swift response as "reassuring", she expressed disappointment at the police for not taking suo motu cognisance of the threats. She announced that she would raise the matter in the upcoming Parliament Monsoon Session, vowing not to stay silent against such intimidation.

Political and Social Implications

The incident has sparked debate over both corporate responsibility and political accountability in cases of online threats against women in public life. Deo argued that if an elected representative can be threatened with impunity, the situation is far worse for ordinary women.