BJD leader Pradeep Majhi ‘threatens to shoot’ DWO in Odisha’s Nabarangpur; FIR filed

Odisha police on Tuesday registered a case against former MP Pradeep Majhi after the District Welfare Officer (DWO) of Nabarangpur alleged that the BJD leader threatened to shoot him during a confrontation linked to the recent pressure cooker explosion incident in a school hostel. 

The FIR, filed at Town Police Station based on the officer’s written complaint, includes charges under BNS 126(2), 221 and 351(3). Police confirmed that Majhi has been named in the complaint and that an investigation is underway.

Confrontation Cited As Trigger

According to the FIR, the alleged threat was issued on November 28 when Majhi met District Welfare Officer Palaka Rabindra over the delay in shifting a critically injured student from the Kukudisemala Government Upper Primary School hostel to a hospital.

Rabindra said Majhi turned aggressive during the interaction. “In a sudden provocation, he threatened to shoot me and also insulted me. This was a threat to my life as well as defamation. I have filed FIRs accordingly,” Rabindra told police.

Rabindra also reported to the police that Majhi had subjected him to verbal abuse and mental harassment on multiple occasions.

A video recorded the same day captured Majhi addressing the official. “What are you doing? I will shoot you if you harass our children. You are deep into corruption. Being an Adivasi, how could you do this?” he is heard saying.

SDPO Krushna Chandra Bhatra said the allegations involve threats to a public servant and obstruction of duty.

“The FIR alleges threats made to a public servant, obstructing them from discharging their duties, and making a threat to their life. We are conducting an investigation, and action will be taken as per the law. The complaint names ex-MP Pradeep Majhi,” he said.

As of the last reports, Majhi has not responded to the FIR.

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Hostel Cooker Blast Case In Background

The confrontation was reportedly linked to the pressure cooker explosion at the Kukudisemala school hostel, where a student sustained serious burn injuries. Officials said the incident occurred nearly a week before district authorities came to know of it. The child was not taken to a hospital and remained confined to the hostel room for several days.

Following the incident, the Nabarangpur administration suspended headmaster Kangali Charan and hostel in-charge Kapil Sarabu while the cook, Dambaru Bhatara, was dismissed for negligence. Officials cited failures in adhering to safety protocols and mandatory reporting procedures.

Majhi had visited the hostel on Friday night and helped shift the injured child for advanced treatment.