BJP accuses BJD of vandalising foundation stone a day after inauguration in Pipili, complaint lodged

In an unsettling development from Pipili, the foundation stone plaque of a new building near Pipili Block office has been vandalised barely a day after its inaugural ceremony. The ceremony, conducted on the 21st of this month, saw participation from prominent political figures, including Puri Member of Parliament (MP) Sambit Patra and Pipili Member of Legislative Assembly (MLA) Ashrit Pattnayak.

Allegations and Investigation

Accusations have been directed towards Sheikh Babu, the chairman of Pipili Notified Area Council (NAC), alongside several councillors and members of the Biju Janata Dal (BJD) party. They are alleged to have been involved in the act of dismantling the plaque. In response, Sukant Bhatt, a representative of the MP, lodged a formal complaint with the Pipili police station.

“NAC Chairman, Vice-Chairman, Councillors and their husbands and other BJD leaders are behind vandalising the foundation stone. I have lodged a written complaint in this connection with Pipili police. We will stage mass demonstration if no action is taken in this regard,” informed Sukant Bhatt, MP representative.

However, the Chairman, Sheikh Babu, has publicly denied any involvement, challenging the accusations against him.

“I’m in no way involved in the vandalising. There is a rift between them and I suspect them to have vandalised it and are trying to frame me,” Sheikh alleged.

Police Reaction:

The police have since commenced an investigation to ascertain the facts surrounding the vandalism.

When contacted, Pipili IIC Soumya Sekhar Tripathy said, “The foundation stone for a multipurpose building was inaugurated a day back in the presence of the MP and MLA. We have received a complaint that someone has vandalised the foundation stone. Sukant has now accused the Chairman and others of their involvement. Probe is on and action will be taken.”