Bolangir: Patnagarh Public Works Department Junior Engineer who was allegedly kidnapped yesterday, hours after a video showing local BJD MLA Saroj Meher forcing him to do sit-ups in public went viral, has been rescued by police today. Patnagarh DSP Suresh Nayak today informed that the JE Jaykant Sabar was rescued from Khariar area of Nuapada district.
Soon after his rescue by the police, the JE has made startling revelations about his earlier incident when he was humiliated by Patnagarh MLA. Sabar said, "The Executive Engineer, who was present at the spot when Patnagarh MLA Saroj Meher asked me to do the sit-ups, slapped me on the instruction of the local legislator and so apprehending any further attack and humiliation, I did the sit-ups.”
Earlier yesterday, wife of the JE had lodged a complaint at Patnagarh PS alleging that her husband was kidnapped and the local MLA was behind the development. She had further demanded arrest of the legislator.
Hours before the incident, a video showing the legislator asking the JE to do sit-ups in public over allegations of poor road works near Belpada in Bolangir district went viral on social media sparking sharp reactions from various quarters.
MLA Meher had tendered apology for forcing the official do sit-ups. He said, “The locals were angry over poor road construction work in their area & demanded action against the official; as the situation was out of my control I had to ask the official to do sit-up.”
Bolangir Collector Arindam Dakua had also said that the sub collector would be asked to probe the incident and submit a factual report so that action can be taken in connection with the matter.
Condemning BJD Patnagarh MLA Saroj Meher's action of forcing a local PWD junior engineer to do sit-ups in public, BJP leader Lekhashree Samantasinghar said, “We demand immediate action against the Patnagarh MLA. When he has himself accepted of insulting the official, what prevents police to take action against the legislator.”