Shocking video of attack on BMC Additional Commissioner inside office sparks safety concerns

A shocking incident unfolded inside the Bhubaneswar Municipal Corporation (BMC) office during a public hearing session on Monday, where Additional Commissioner Ratnakar Sahu was brutally attacked. 

According to reports, a group of individuals forcefully entered and dragged Sahu out of his chamber and physically assaulted him in front of others following a war of words during the public hearing session between 12.30 pm to 1 pm.

The visuals of the attack, including the moment Sahu was pulled out and beaten, emerged following the incident. These disturbing scenes show the person aggressively confronting the officer, slapping and manhandling him inside the BMC premises. It is also seen in the video footage that another Corporator and the PSO of the Mayor are trying to save Sahu.

While the identity of the attackers has not been officially confirmed, the motive behind the attack remains under investigation.

However, as per sources, all four assailants are members of the BJP Yuva Morcha. They allegedly tried to kidnap Sahu after assaulting him. Though it is also being alleged that BJP Corporator Jeevan Rout is involved in the attack, he has refuted any such possibility by saying that he will not be found in the CCTV footage of the attack.

Following the incident, a heavy police force was deployed at the BMC office to maintain law and order. Personnel from Kharavela Nagar Police Station reached the scene immediately. CCTV footage from the premises is being examined to gather more evidence regarding the assault.

The attack on a high-ranking civic body official has sparked outrage, and security within the BMC office has been tightened. 

As per the latest reports, BMC employees and BJD Corporators have staged a protest inside the office premises and in front of the gate, respectively. Later, BMC employees hit the streets by shouting slogans in their protest against the incident. They also staged a road blockade.

"The officer is very cordial and hardworking. If he will be treated like this, what will be the fate of the common man in Bhubaneswar?" asked a BMC employee.

"They must have targeted the BMC officer over some enmity. People have voted us to power to do public work. However, officials and women are not safe and secure in the State," said a protesting BJD Corporator.

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"The incident is not acceptable. We condemn the incident. Stern action should be taken against the culprits," said another protesting BJD Corporator.

In response, BJP leader Jagannath Pradhan said, "I just came to know about the incident. I have seen the footage. This kind of incident should not have happened, and I condemn it. I have seen some guys in the footage. I have discussed with them and the police administration. I have no enmity with the officer. I discuss all the issues and the problems of the people with all the officials on a daily basis."

According to Sahu, as many as five persons entered his chamber and Corporator Jeevan Rout asked him if he misbehaved with Jaga Bhai (BJP leader Jagannath Pradhan). When he refuted, they suddenly dragged and manhandled him.

In response to his alleged involvement in the incident, BJP leader Jagannath Pradhan said, "I just came to know about the incident. I have seen the footage. This kind of incident should not have happened, and I condemn it. I have seen some guys in the footage. I have discussed with them and the police administration. I have no enmity with the officer. I discuss all the issues and the problems of the people with all the officials on a daily basis."