Sambalpur violence was a sponsored one: BJP probe panel after arriving in Odisha 

The four-member committee formed by the BJP national president J P Nadda to probe the Sambalpur violence has held the Odisha government and police responsible for the untoward incident during Hanuman Jayanti celebrations in the district.

The probe committee comprising four BJP MPs reached the city to conduct an inquiry. The panel will submit "a factual report" to the party president. 

The inquiry committee comprises Rajya Sabha MPs Brijlal from Uttar Pradesh, Samir Oraon and Aditya Sahu, both from Jharkhand, and Jyotirmay Singh Mahato from West Bengal.

Speaking to media after arriving at Bhubnaeswar airport, Brijlal, the chairman of the probing committee said, “As per preliminary reports, the violence was a sponsored one. The untoward incident took place due to State government’s failure.”

“We will visit the spot and discuss with the locals and deceased’s family members. Later, we will submit our report to our party chief JP Nadda,” he added.

The three-member BJP central team, which visited Sambalpur today, could not meet the family members of deceased Chandra Sekhar Mirdha as their house was found locked at Jharmunda village. Earlier, the deceased's house was found locked during ST Commission's visit.

“The BJD had earlier hidden the deceased’s family members to conceal the truth and made a similar attempt now ahead of our visit. This proves that BJD government is trying to restrict the truth to come out. We will submit our report and if needed we will suggest a probe by a national agency,” said Brijlal after meeting a man who as injured in the violence.

Notably, Sambalpur witnessed large-scale violence on two separate dates on April 12, when there was a bike rally by the organisers of a Hanuman Jayanti celebration, and on April 14, when the main procession was held.

A number of people, including 10 police personnel, were injured in the April 12 violence. Several shops and business establishments were also set on fire during the violence. The police have so far arrested over 100 people.