Trouble mounts for Patnagarh MLA who forced PWD JE to do sit-ups

Bolangir: In what could bring more trouble for Patnagarh BJD MLA Saroj Meher, who forced a Junior Engineer of Public Works Department(PWD) to do sit-ups in public, Bolangir Collector today clarified that there is truth behind the incident and informed that the administration will recommend the government for disciplinary action against the accused.

“I have received a report from Patnagarh sub-collector confirming allegations of manhandling and insult to the official. We will send the detailed probe report and recommend action against all the accused. But it depends upon the government on what action it will take further,” said Bolangir Collector Arindam Dakua.

On June 6, a video showing Patnagarh MLA forcing a Junior Engineer Jaykant Sabar to do sit-ups near Belpada area had gone viral on social media drawing sharp reactions from various quarters.

While the MLA tendered apology, a day after the incident, Sabar went missing. Following the incident, Sabar's wife lodged a police complaint alleging that her husband was kidnapped by the MLA.

After cops traced the missing JE from Khariar area yesterday, he made some startling revelations alleging that the Executive Engineer, who was present at the spot during the incident, slapped him on the instruction of the legislator due to which he had to do sit-ups.

Meanwhile, after state-wide condemnation of the incident and protests by Bolangir District Tribal Welfare Association and Odisha Diploma Engineers’ Association, a case has been registered against the BJD legislator.