Bhubaneswar: In the ongoing controversy involving the Leader of Opposition in Odisha Assembly Jayanarayan Mishra and Inspector-in-charge of Dhanupali police station in Sambalpur, Anita Pradhan, the latter has given a statement in the media that she will be seeking legal recourse.
“I was trying to move aside from the commotion, when a group of BJP workers (men) were advancing, to allow our police personnel to control the situation. During this time, I was face-to-face with the Honourable MLA, who asked me for my credentials,” said Pradhan.
“According to the IIC, the Sambalpur MLA started hurling abuses at her which she protested. Amid this brief vitriolic exchange of words, I was taken aback when the Honourable MLA slapped and pushed me. This action coming from someone holding a constitutional post was totally uncalled for,” Pradhan added.
The IIC said that she would file a complaint in this matter at the Town Police Station in Sambalpur. Hours after the incident, Pradhan was spotted at the Sambalpur SP’s office, where she is likely to have briefed her captain about the entire episode.
“The matter is being verified and probed. Action will be initiated after our inquiry is complete,” Sambalpur SP, B Gangadhar said.
On the other hand, the senior BJP leader and LoP in Odisha Assembly has outrightly dismissed the allegations. “I did not push the IIC. It was the other way around. Amid the protest against the deteriorating law and order situation in Odisha by State BJP, the IIC came out of nowhere, and pushed me.”
Mishra added, “She even said that I was saying too much against the police. It is very surprising to note that an IIC is challenging the Leader of Opposition, and even pushing him.”
Meanwhile, the matter, involving a female cop on duty, has snowballed into a major controversy with police associations and women activists condemning it.
