There could be a terror threat to Odisha. Such apprehensions have been raised by the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) in the wake of several incidents including the recent Sambalpur violence and Guddu Muslim’s link in Puri and Bargarh. Guddu Muslim is the associate of Uttar Pradesh’s gangster Atiq Ahmed who was recently killed along with his brother.
Addressing a presser, Bargarh MP Suresh Pujari on Monday alleged that ‘anti-national slogans’ were raised during the recent Sambalpur violence on April 12. This proves the presence of anti-national elements here, said Pujari.
The Bargarh MP further said that the visit of Uttar Pradesh’s dreaded criminal Guddu Muslim to Odisha’s Puri and Bargarh and his links with Sohela’s Raja Khan have raised several questions.
Also Read: Is Atiq Ahmed’s close aide Guddu Muslim in Odisha? UP STF lands in Bargarh
"What is the link between Guddu Muslim and Raja Khan and who are giving them shelter in Odisha? Whether there is any link of the duo in the recent Sambalpur violence," questioned Pujari.
Pujari said Guddu Muslim had visited Puri and expressed fear whether there is any terror threat to Puri Jagannath temple.
"The Odisha government should come out with answers to such pertinent questions," demanded the Bargarh MP. “We have apprised Union Home Minister Amit Shah about the recent Sambalpur violence and other issues. Odisha Police cannot conduct a detailed investigation, hence the state government should hand over the probe to the National Investigation Agency (NIA). We should not let Odisha go Bengal way,” Pujari said.
Responding to the allegations, Energy and Industries Minister Pratap Deb said, “It is not BJD rather BJP has been creating tension for the last 15 years. We say that whether it is BJD, BJP or Congress, action should be taken against those breaking the law and order situation or instigating violence. Let police and law do their work."