BJD leader Sanjukta Mahala ‘stopped’ from meeting CM Naveen

BJD leader Sanjukta Mahala, who has filed two separate complaints against former minister Srikanta Sahu at Mahila Police Station in Bhubaneswar, was reportedly stopped from meeting CM Naveen Patnaik on Saturday.

According to sources, Mahala's vehicle was stopped near Traffic Chhak by the police while she was on her way to meet CM Naveen at his residence Naveen Niwas in Bhubaneswar. 

In her response, Mahala said, "I had submitted an application eight days back to meet the CM and I was not called. I have been working for the past 22 years, but not being allowed inside Naveen Niwas.”

“I had lodged FIRs, but sections in the case registered by the police were not based on the complaint filed by me. I lodged FIR stating that I was subjected to physical and mental torture, but as per the sections it has been mentioned that I had a quarrel with the former Minister. I had come to bring the matter to the notice of the CM. I am not sure if the party supremo is aware of it," she said.

It is worthwhile to mention here that Mahala had lodged two separate FIRs against Sahu accusing him of mental and physical harassment and engaging anti-socials against her. Besides, citing threat to her life, Mahala also demanded police protection.

“He (Sahu) was in a relationship with me for the last nine years. He tortured me mentally and physically. Then he ditched me. He is even giving me life threats. He has also engaged anti-socials against me. There is a threat to my life and I seek protection,” Mahala had said earlier.

On the other hand, Mahala’s mother, sister, and sister-in-law met Twin City Police Commissioner Saumendra Priyadarshi and accused the conch party leader of siphoning off her father’s pension by registering false cases.

Meanwhile, BJP State vice president Pravati Parida opined that the BJD must discuss how to provide justice to Mahala during its State executive meeting.

“Sanjukata Mahala is your party worker and she has accused a former minister of the party of sexual and physical harassment. There are many Sanjukata Mahalas in the State. If you cannot give justice to your own party worker then how can you provide justice to the victims across the State,” Parida questioned.

Reacting to Parida’s statement, BJD leader Snehangini Chhuria said, “The BJP must answer its stand on its MP’s misbehaviour with a tribal girl Gouri Mundari first.”