TV
In a significant development concerning the assault on Bhubaneswar Municipal Corporation (BMC) Additional Commissioner Ratnakar Sahoo, senior BJP leader Jagannath Pradhan arrived at the Deputy Commissioner of Police (DCP) office in Bhubaneswar on Wednesday evening.
Amidst mounting pressure over his alleged links in the assault of BMC Additional Commissioner Ratnakar Sahoo, the senior BJP leader appeared at the DCP office and said that he was ready to cooperate in the investigation.
“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.”
Jagannath Pradhan Supporters Block National Highway at Vani Vihar Square
His visit was accompanied by a substantial gathering of supporters, intensifying the already charged atmosphere surrounding the case.
Tensions flared at Vani Vihar Square today as supporters of Jagannath Pradhan, popularly known as Jaga, staged a sit-in demonstration demanding justice for their leader. The protestors gathered in large numbers and blocked the National Highway, leading to traffic disruptions in the area.
According to eyewitnesses, the demonstrators raised slogans in support of Jaga. 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 for clearing the road. Authorities are monitoring the situation closely to prevent any escalation.
Background Of The Incident:
The incident, which occurred on Monday, involved a group of individuals forcibly entering Sahoo's office during a public grievance hearing, dragging him out, and assaulting him. The Odisha Administrative Service (OAS) Association has since demanded Pradhan's immediate arrest, labelling him the prime accused in the case.
In response to the assault, the OAS Association called for a mass leave protest, though reports indicate a mixed response among officers, with several continuing their duties.
Earlier yesterday, Pradhan had addressed the media and stated, "I respect the law and will cooperate with whatever action is taken as per the law."
