TV
The Director of Veer Surendra Sai Airport in Jharsuguda, Odisha, finds himself in legal trouble after a senior staff member accused him of caste-based abuse and physical assault.
Sandip Kumar Minz, a senior attendant and president of the local unit of the All Airports Employees’ Union, has filed a formal complaint at the Airport police station against Director Sandeep Tiwari. The incident reportedly took place on Tuesday morning when Minz approached Tiwari to discuss matters concerning employee welfare.
According to Minz, a particular issue involving unauthorised lifting of construction materials like sand, stone chips, and ash from near the airport premises led to a heated exchange. He alleged that when he pressed for answers, Tiwari verbally abused him with casteist slurs, physically assaulted him, and issued threats.
"I went to the director with the minutes of the meeting. Subham Sahoo and Mahakud Sir accompanied me. I wanted to discuss the sand and chips stocked at the airport, which are allegedly being illegally supplied to outsiders. I had already registered a complaint in this regard. Then he suddenly got angry," alleged Minz.
Minz was taken to the district headquarters hospital, where doctors noted abrasions on his chest and back and facial injuries that required dental evaluation.
Following the complaint, police registered a case under relevant sections of the Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita (BNS) and the SC/ST (Prevention of Atrocities) Act.
Investigating Officer Hemangini Gardia confirmed that charges have been framed under BNS Sections 115(2), 296, and 351(3), as well as provisions of the 1989 Act including Sections 3(1)(r), 3(1)(s), 3(2), and 5A.
However, Tiwari has dismissed the allegations as false. Meanwhile, the employees’ union has condemned the incident and is demanding his immediate transfer, citing a pattern of alleged misconduct.
