A shocking incident of violence erupted at the Bhubaneswar Municipal Corporation (BMC) office on Monday, leaving Additional Commissioner Ratnakar Sahu severely battered and bruised. The incident has sparked widespread condemnation, with BMC employees launching a protest and demanding strict action against the culprits.
According to sources, a group of men, allegedly led by BJP Corporator Jivan Raut, stormed into Sahu's office and brutally assaulted him, dragging him out of his chamber and kicking him in the face.
The attack occurred during a public hearing, with hundreds of BMC employees and private security guards present, who failed to intervene.
A video of the incident went viral, showing the attackers beating Sahu mercilessly.
BMC employees have been protesting, wearing black badges, and demanding protection, strict action against the culprits, and deployment of security guards.
Sanitation workers under BMC have also gone on strike in solidarity.
The employees are demanding a safe working environment and accountability from the authorities.
A case has been registered at Kharavelanagar police station, and three individuals, including BJP Corporator Jivan Raut, Rashmi Mohapatra, and Debashis Pradhan, have been arrested.
BMC Commissioner Rajesh Prabhakar Patil has condemned the incident and assured that steps will be taken to enhance security arrangements in the coming days.
Former Chief Minister and BJD president Naveen Patnaik strongly condemned the incident, urging the Chief Minister to take stringent action against the accused.
Bhubaneswar MP Aparajita Sarangi also condemned the attack, stating that the law will take its course.