Odisha Lawmaker ‘Threatens Police ASI’, Audio Goes Viral

Bhadrak: Biju Janata Dal (BJD) MLA from Chandbali Assembly constituency, Byomakesh Ray stoked a controversy by allegedly threatening a police officer over phone, an audio clip of which has gone viral.

The audio clip containing the purported telephonic conversation of Ray with the assistant sub-inspector of Bansada Police Station, Gurucharan Behera, is now being widely circulated from one mobile to another.

In the audio, Ray was heard pressurising Behera to arrest some people in connection with a group clash while threatening to transfer him to Motu area of Maoist-infested Malkangiri district in case he fails to comply with the order.

“You know about the political problems in the locality, but you are intentionally aggravating them. You must have heard about Motu. I will hold talks with the DG (Director General) of police and dump you there,” Ray was heard saying in the audio.

Further threatening the police officer to stay within limits, Ray asked the police official whether his mobile phone had voice recording feature apprehending that the voice clip may get leaked.

https://youtu.be/rUeiaA2SNfw

Though Ray admitted the conversation, he declined to comment on the issue before the camera.

According to sources, two groups of people had clash over some issue at a village under Bansada Police jurisdiction. Two cases were filed in this regard. Ray was allegedly pressurising the ASI through other party supporters to release BJD workers involved in the clash and arrest the rivals.

When asked, the ASI who hails from Mayurbhanj district said he will work with same sincerity wherever he is posted.