Bhubaneswar: The arrest of Manoranjan Sarangi, Odisha Television Limited’s (OTV) Chief Financial Officer (CFO) hours after he was forcibly picked up by the Crime Branch from his residence without any notice in the wee hours of Sunday is a sign of the Odisha government’s vendetta against the channel.
Litisha Mangat, OTV’s Operating Officer said, “It is a sign of State government’s vendetta against OTV, considering that our platform has been persistent and fearless in reporting fact based news, much to their displeasure.”
In a statement, Mangat further stated, “The previous manifestation (s) of their rage were the 13 odd false cases filed against OTV over the past two months- wherein some of these cases were granted relief by the court.”
In the backdrop of the vengeful targeting of the media organisation by the Odisha government, Sunday’s brutal action against OTV’s senior official did not come as a surprise.
“No surprise as they felt the need to fabricate something new and everybody in Odisha is widely aware of the attacks on the channel,” Mangat stated.
Earlier on Sunday morning a posse of sleuths from the Odisha Crime Branch picked up Sarangi from his residence without any intimation or notice much to the shock and dismay of his family members. He was subjected to inhuman treatment by the police for over 8 hours before he was put under arrest.
Also Read: OTV CFO Picked Up By Police Without Notice; Family In Shock As Police Act Like Goons
The state-sponsored brutality, which has sent shockwaves across the state, has been condemned by politicians cutting across party lines as well as eminent personalities and noted lawyers.
Also Read: OTV Targeted Again: Top Political Leaders Slam Odisha Government’s Vindictive Action