BJP leader Jagannath Pradhan arrested in BMC official assault case, sent to 14-day judicial custody

In a significant development concerning the assault on Bhubaneswar Municipal Corporation (BMC) Additional Commissioner Ratnakar Sahoo, senior BJP leader Jagannath Pradhan was arrested after he surrendered at the DCP office on Thursday evening.

Amidst mounting pressure over the assault of Sahoo, the senior BJP leader appeared at the DCP office and said that he was ready to cooperate in the investigation. The senior BJP leader was reportedly taken to Capital Hospital for a medical examination after his arrest.

Meanwhile, tensions flared at Vani Vihar Square as hundreds of his supporters staged a sit-in demonstration. The protestors gathered in large numbers and blocked the National Highway, leading to traffic disruptions in the area.

The blockade at Vani Vihar Square caused a major traffic jam on the stretch of the National Highway passing through Bhubaneswar, leaving commuters stranded for hours. Police forces were deployed at the site to maintain law and order and to negotiate with the protestors to clear the road. Authorities are monitoring the situation closely to prevent any escalation.

Speaking to media prior to his arrest, the senior BJP leader said, “I have come here to cooperate with the investigation," he stated adding “If my arrest can resolve the issue, I am ready to cooperate.”

Denying any involvement in the incident, Pradhan asserted, “I have no connection with the attack on the BMC Additional Commissioner. This is a conspiracy to malign my party and our government.”

Bail Rejected:

The BJP leader was forwarded to court and later sent to jail after the court rejected his bail petition. After the rejection of his bail, Pradhan has been sent 14-day judicial custody. This information was shared by Pradhan's lawyer.