BJD workers stage protest in Ganjam over arrest of party leader in attempt to murder case

Tension erupted in front of Sheragada police station in Ganjam district on Wednesday as workers of the Biju Janata Dal (BJD) staged a protest demanding the release of a party functionary arrested in connection with an alleged attempt to murder case.

According to reports, Niranjan Jena alias Kalia, a BJP leader from Dhanantara village, was allegedly targeted in an attack on July 25, and the case led to the arrest of Sheragada Block Youth BJD President Santosh Pattnayak. Protesters on Wednesday gathered at the police station demanding his unconditional release.

The situation became volatile as a large number of BJD workers demonstrated outside the police station. Law enforcement authorities had to call in additional forces from nearby police stations to maintain order.

Police confirmed that a total of 11 individuals have been arrested so far in connection with the attempt to murder case and produced before to court. No further comments were immediately available from the police regarding the ongoing protest or any potential developments in the case.

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“Pintu Pattnayak, also known as Santosh Pattnayak, was arrested by the Sheragada police today. He was not involved in the case, as he was not present and had no knowledge of it. They are trying to politicize the matter,” alleged Sarat Chandra Patra, Sheragada Block BJD president.