Attack On OPCC Chief: Odisha Congress Moves OHRC

Bhubaneswar: The Congress party of State unit on Thursday moved Odisha Human Rights Commission (OHRC) seeking action against the local police for their callousness in connection with the attack on OPCC president Niranjan Patnaik's vehicle and his personal security officer Rakesh Singh in Keonjhar a few days ago.

A Congress delegation led by party spokesperson Nishikant Mishra met the OHRC and filed a petition in this regard.

The party alleged that callous attitude of local police led to such incident. It has demanded action against the police and also requested the government to facilitate adequate security to the PCC president during his visit anywhere in the State.

Earlier, a group of party leaders had met the Keonjhar Superintendent of Police (SP) demanding immediate arrest of all accused involved in the crime.

On the other hand, police have arrested four persons including the prime accused in connection with the case so far.

On Sunday evening, a group of miscreants had attacked Patnaik's car near Kashipur in Keonjhar district. However, Patnaik escaped the attack unhurt.

After registration of a complaint, Keonjhar Town Police on Monday arrested the prime accused Sanjay Mohanty, who is stated to be a local BJP leader.

On Wednesday, police had apprehended three more persons allegedly involved in the attack. A SUV car allegedly used in the crime was seized, police said.

Soon after the arrest of a local BJP leader, the Odisha Congress president had come down heavily on State BJP while alleging the saffron party of sponsoring the assault.