Attack on BMC Additional Commissioner: Three arrested by Commissionerate Police, probe launched

Just hours after Bhubaneswar Municipal Corporation (BMC) Additional Commissioner Ratnakar Sahu was dragged from his office during a public hearing and brutally attacked, the Commissionerate Police swung into action and arrested three persons in this connection.

Based on a complaint by Sahu at the Kharvelnagar Police station, police have arrested three persons for the brutal attack. The accused trio has been identified as Jeevan Rout, Rashmi Mahapatra, and Debashis Pradhan. Police have charged the trio under the following serious sections of BNS: BNS Sections: 333, 132, 121(1), 121(2), 109, 351(2), 62, 140(2), 304, 54, 61(2), 189(2), 190, and 3(5). These sections pertain to grievous assault on a public servant, criminal conspiracy, attempt to kidnap, obstruction of public duty, and unlawful assembly with a common intention, among other offences.

As per reports, the three accused were later forwarded to court under strict sections of law as per the FIR. Meanwhile, a further investigation is in process while the involvement of other persons is being ascertained.

As per reports, the incident unfolded inside the Bhubaneswar Municipal Corporation (BMC) office during a public hearing session on Monday. The group of individuals forcefully entered Sahu’s office and dragged him out of his chamber and physically assaulted him in front of others following a war of words during the public hearing session between 12.30 pm to 1 pm.

The visuals of the attack, including the moment Sahu was pulled out and beaten, emerged following the incident. These disturbing scenes show the accused aggressively confronting the officer, slapping and manhandling him inside the BMC premises.

While three have been arrested, the motive behind the attack remains under investigation.

However, as per sources, all four assailants are members of the BJP Yuva Morcha. They allegedly tried to kidnap Sahu after assaulting him. It is also being alleged that BJP Corporator Jeevan Rout is the main conspirator.