Balasore: Though Nilagiri MLA Sukant Nayak called off his dharna almost 15 hours after a face-off with local Tehsildar over an eviction drive on Nilagiri court premises, the matter seems to be getting mired in a political controversy.
It may be noted that some makeshift ‘moharir’ offices on Nilagiri court premises near Sub Collector’s office were razed in presence of Tehsildar Sushrita Tudu yesterday morning. However, MLA Sukant Nayak reached the spot and protested the eviction leading to an altercation with the Tehsildar.
However, the dispute, believed to be between the MLA and the Tehsildar, has now taken a new turn after questions have been raised over the role of another man who is stated to have started the dispute. Sources said, his name is Babuli Sarangi, convenor of BJD Legal Cell and brother of Union Minister Pratap Sarangi.
Allegations have been levelled against Babuli Sarangi that he was actually the first one to pass some objectionable comments against the Tehsildar which later snowballed into a major face-off. Even the video of the incident also showed the Tehsildar raising objections to Babuli Sarangi’s comments even before the MLA’s came into picture.
Even as Nilagiri Police have registered a total of 4 cases from either side, Babuli Sarangi said that he is not concerned about the allegations of misbehaviour levelled by the Tehsildar.
“I have 32 cases against my name, so I don’t care about the allegations levelled by the Tehsildar,” said Sarangi.
While Babuli accepted that Pratap Sarangi is his brother, he also said that he has no relationship with him.
When asked about the incident, Union Minister Pratap Sarangi declined to comment on the issue.
On the other hand Nilagiri Tehsildar Sushrita Tudu said, "Let alone my Tehsildar post, as a lady, I got offended because of the remarks made by the Sarangi and the MLA."
In order to settle the dispute, the district administration has assured to repair the demolished structures inside the court premises. Meanwhile, after the controversy, Nilagiri Tehsildar has gone on leave till October 16.