Resentment is brewing among the locals in Jajpur owing to the inordinate delay on the part of the administration to complete the necessary process to seal the ‘Balle Balle Dhaba and Family Restaurant’ located on the premises of Dharmasala Bhawan.
The Balle Balle Dhaba is now saddled in controversy following allegations that MPLAD and MLALAD funds were allegedly pumped into this dhaba. It was earlier alleged that the dhaba was given to a woman BJD leader on lease without any documents. Dharmasala’s former BJD MLA Pranab Balabantaray was allegedly managing the show from behind the scenes.
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The irregularities were detected by MLA Himanshu Sahu during the block inspection. Subsequently, a notice was served to the dhaba for vacating items.
Despite expiry of the deadline, no action was taken by the administration, alleged local residents while staging a demonstration today.
Sanjeeb Jena, a local resident said, “Though notice was served, time was allowed to take away all the luxury items. The notice was served only when we staged a demonstration. We suspect the involvement of BDO who knows who is the owner of the dhaba. Today, there is nothing inside the dhaba and every article has been taken away.”
The Panchayat officer said, “As per BDO’s instructions, notice was served to vacate belongings within three days. We will take appropriate steps as per further instructions by senior officials.”
Sources said that only the dhaba has been locked today. Meanwhile, the concerned BDO could not be contacted over the allegations.