In the heart of Bhubaneswar, Odisha, an alarming incident unfolded when Ratnakar Sahu, the Additional Commissioner of the Bhubaneswar Municipal Corporation, was mercilessly attacked by a group of young men during a public grievance meeting. The shocking video of this assault has taken social media by storm. The footage reveals the assailants abusing and striking Sahu with sheer brutality. The police have arrested three individuals in connection to this attack.
The incident occurred on a Monday as Sahu was reviewing grievances. Suddenly, a group of five to six young men barged into the office and launched an unprovoked attack. They forcefully grabbed Sahu by the collar, attempting to drag him outside.
Assault in Front of Councillor
Initial reports indicate that six men entered Sahu's chamber, launching an unprovoked attack, leaving office staff and onlookers stunned. Video footage shows the assailants using foul language while kicking and punching Sahu. The identities of the attackers remain unknown, and the real motive behind the attack is yet to emerge.
Speaking to the media post-incident, Sahu stated, “The attackers were strangers to me. I did not misbehave with anyone. I have informed senior officials, and an FIR will be lodged soon.”
Sahu further explained, “Being a Monday, grievance resolution was underway. In the absence of the commissioner, I was overseeing the proceedings. Councillor Jeevan Babu and five to six others approached me. Jeevan Babu asked if I misbehaved with their person, to which I replied I hadn't. They then began assaulting me and attempted to drag me to a car. I am unaware of the exact reason for the attack. I don’t recognize the other attackers.”
Work Boycott and Protest by Employees
Denouncing the attack, BMC employees staged a sit-in protest within the office premises, ceasing work for the day. They demanded the immediate arrest and imprisonment of the culprits. The protesting employees also called for enhanced security measures for municipal staff. Senior BMC officials and police arrived at the scene post-incident, assuring an investigation.
Former Chief Minister Navin Patnaik's Strong Rebuke
Reacting sharply to the incident, former Chief Minister Navin Patnaik condemned the attack as a “failure of law and order.” In a social media post, he highlighted the disgraceful act of assaulting a senior officer in the presence of a BJP councillor, calling it a deeply shameful and dangerous signal. He urged current Chief Minister Mohan Majhi for swift and exemplary action, questioning public trust if officials aren't safe in their workplaces.
Patnaik urged action against not only the attackers but also any political leaders behind this “disgraceful assault.” He warned that the people of Odisha would not forgive if the culprits go unpunished.
Officer Strike as Protest
The Odisha Administrative Service Association announced a 'mass leave' protest starting Tuesday against the alleged attack on the senior OAS officer. The decision was taken at a meeting chaired by association president Jyoti Ranjan Mishra.
Source: aajtak
Patnaik has called for not just the perpetrators but the political entities responsible for this “shameful attack” to face strict and swift action, emphasizing that if the offenders aren't severely punished, the people of Odisha won't forgive.
