FIR lodged against Bhubaneswar Mayor over her ‘Bangladeshi favouritism’

An FIR was lodged on Sunday against Bhubaneswar Mayor and senior BJD leader Sulochana Das by Anchalika Surakhya Mancha (a local outfit). The outfit accuses the Mayor of making remarks that appear to support illegal immigrants; a stance they claim might pose a serious threat to the city’s internal security and promote criminal activities.

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According to the outfit, these comments have seemingly emboldened illegal immigrants, potentially leading to criminal activities. Jagannath Pradhan, president of the outfit, called for the Mayor’s arrest. The complaint was lodged at the Capital Police Station in the city.

Mayor Sulochana Das has not yet issued a response on this matter.

“She (the Mayor) has patronaged and encouraged them by addressing them (Bangladeshis immigrants) as ‘brothers’ and addressing them as ‘family’, which is a serious offense. This is because of which they will not hesitate to indulge in criminal activities. She has started propagating such things on many occasions,” Jagannath Pradhan said to mediapersons.

Mayor has been threatening Hindus: Mancha president

“Even she has been threatening Hindu brothers and sisters as well as our workers. We are getting to hear about this. Hence, we appeal to the law enforcement authorities to take appropriate action against the Mayor for her remarks against the interests of the country. Legal actions must be taken immediately,” the local outfit president demanded.

Worth mentioning, a heated debate has been ignited over recent remarks made by Mayor Das relating to Bangladeshi residents in the Capital City. The controversy led to protests on Thursday at the Ward 14 office in Niladri Vihar, where local citizens brandished black flags protesting her allegedly objectionable comments.

Sulochana Das faced a wave of protests again on Friday as she inaugurated a newly built office for Ward No-39 in Nayapalli locality. Upon her scheduled arrival, she was confronted by several locals brandishing black flags and placards, clearly expressing their discontent.

“When several eligible residents have not been given voter ID and ration cards yet, how were the Bangladeshi nationals granted cards during the previous BJD-led government?” the agitating locals questioned.

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“We strongly oppose the Mayor’s ‘love for Bangladeshis’,” they said.