TV
Authorities have apprehended a fifth suspect identified as Sachikant Swain on Tuesday, in connection with the recent assault on Bhubaneswar Municipal Corporation (BMC) Additional Commissioner Ratnakar Sahoo.
Sachikant, formerly affiliated with the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP), was suspended from the political party shortly before his arrest.
The development follows the arrest of Sanjeev Mishra on Tuesday and three other individuals by the police on Monday, as investigations continue into the incident.
Based on a complaint by Sahu at the Kharvelnagar Police station, police had arrested the four persons for the brutal attack. Apart from Sanjeev, the other three accused have been identified as Jeevan Rout, Rashmi Mahapatra, and Debashis Pradhan.
Police have charged the arrested persons under 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. The accused were later forwarded to court under strict sections of law as per the FIR.
Earlier on the day, the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) Odisha unit suspended five of its members, including a local Corporator. The disciplinary action was confirmed by the party’s state president, Manmohan Samal, citing internal misconduct. BJP suspended five of its supporters, who are accused of the assault, from the party’s primary membership in connection with the attack on the BMC officer.
Alongside Jiban Rout, Rashmi Ranjan Mahapatra, and Debashis Pradhan have also faced suspension. The list further includes Sachikant Swain and Sanjeeb Mishra. All five individuals have been relieved from their positions as primary members of the party.
