Mob attack on black XUV: MLA denies son’s presence; police FIR raises doubts

Politics intensified in Odisha’s Bargarh after a mob had allegedly vandalised a black XUV at Bardol village in the district following a road mishap, with reports claiming that the son of the local MLA was inside the vehicle.

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The MLA, however, on Sunday denied his son’s presence in the car. The controversy deepened after details of an FIR lodged in connection with the incident surfaced, raising questions over the police’s role and transparency.

According to the FIR filed by ASI Chinmaya Rahul, who was present at the scene, Bargarh police have registered a case against 25 named residents of Bardol village, along with 20 unidentified persons.

Despite police claims that the occupants of the vehicle were rescued, authorities have not disclosed who was inside the car or whether anyone was injured during the attack. The lack of clarity has further fuelled speculation.

Confusion also arose after the FIR mentioned a black vehicle, while the SDPO stated that no such complaint had been received. Meanwhile, social media posts suggest that the vehicle was carrying the son of a local MLA.

Responding to the allegations, MLA Ashwini Kumar Saranagi dismissed the claims as misinformation, stating that his son was with him at the time of the incident. He also said that he had spoken to villagers regarding the matter.

“My son has been roaming with me. I do not know when or who was attacked. I returned from Bhubaneswar today. Local residents had come to me today, as you (the media) saw now. Four occupants, who are friends, were on board the vehicle on the intervening evening, as per the versions of Bardol villagers. I will go to the village tomorrow and discuss with the locals,” MLA Sarangi said while speaking to mediapersons.

The incident dates back to last Monday evening, when a woman died after being hit by an unidentified vehicle. Following the accident, agitated locals blocked the road, demanding the installation of speed breakers. 

During the protest, another XUV attempted to pass through the same stretch when angry protesters allegedly vandalised the vehicle and assaulted its occupants for reasons not known yet.

Viral videos of the alleged attack on the vehicle have since intensified demands for clarity and accountability. However, police are yet to officially confirm the identities of those involved and those present inside the vehicle during the outrage.

Attempts to obtain a response from the police have so far yielded no comment.

Reported By: Dharmadatta Padhi