Alleged assault on ASO by Governor’s son triggers political slugfest in Odisha

The alleged assault on an Assistant Section Officer (ASO) by Odisha Governor Raghubar Das’ son Lalit Kumar and five others at Raj Bhavan in Puri has sparked a huge political slugfest with the Congress and the BJD demanding action against those involved. 

The Odisha Youth and Chhatra Congress activists on Tuesday staged a demonstration in front of Raj Bhawan, demanding arrest of the persons involved. 

“They attacked him (ASO Baikuntha Pradhan) murderously. He lodged a police complaint. Besides meeting the Governor, he also went to the CM’s grievance cell. Meanwhile, nine days have passed but no arrest has been made. Today the Odisha Youth and Chhatra Congress demanded that the Governor’s son Lalit Kumar and his five friends from Jharkhand be arrested soon,” said Yasir Nawaz, president of Odisha Chhatra Congress. 

At the same time, while condemning the incident, the BJD said the accused were treated with an iron fist during its rule. Why leniency is being shown to them, it asked. 

“All are equal before the law. His (ASO Baikuntha Pradhan) wife says her husband’s life is under threat and he could be murdered. In such a situation, instead of providing safety to him, the accused are being protected,” said BJD spokesperson, Lekhashree Samantasinghar.

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Responding to Samantasinghar’s statement, the BJP said they (the BJD) should refrain from meddling in this case.

“When the ASO’s wife met the Governor and later, what we came to know from the media, she said they have faith in the Governor and withdrawn the case, the BJD is only making politics out of it. The then Chief Minister took refuge in lies by stating FBI investigation in the Assembly. So, it is better they should refrain from giving statements against others,” said State BJP’s spokesperson Manoj Mohapatra.

Notably, ASO Pradhan was transferred to the Home Department yesterday.