High drama at Odisha police station over detention of former BJD MLA’s supporter

Tensions flared at Badachana Police Station in Odisha’s Jajpur district late Wednesday night after police detained a supporter of former Dharmasala MLA Pranab Balabantaray.

A viral video shows the ex-legislator himself arriving at the police station and confronting officers, sparking intense drama.

According to reports, police had brought in one of Balabantaray's supporters for questioning in connection with an ongoing investigation. Upon learning of the incident, the former MLA, accompanied by several of his supporters, rushed to the police station late at night to seek clarification.

Eyewitnesses stated that Balabantaray appeared visibly agitated and engaged in a heated exchange with the police over the detention. However, the situation was brought under control after the detained supporter was released following preliminary questioning.

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While the Badachana police IIC declined to comment in detail, he confirmed that the individual had been brought in solely for questioning related to a specific case and was released after the inquiry.

Balabantaray, on the other hand, stated that he had visited the police station to demand an explanation over the midnight detention of his supporter.

"The case in which Badachana police picked up my supporter had occurred in April. Had the police called him, he would have come to the station. They could have issued him a notice. However, the police picked him up like a mafia in the middle of the night. Since he is one of my supporters, I asked the IIC about the matter. I also spoke with the SDPO and called the SP," Pranab Balabantaray, former MLA.

The incident has drawn considerable public attention, with the viral video fueling political buzz in the region.