Bhubaneswar: Bhubaneswar Municipal Corporation (BMC) staff staged a cease-work protest on Tuesday, wearing black badges in solidarity with Additional Commissioner Ratnakar Sahoo, who was brutally assaulted in his office on Monday.
As per reports, six persons barged into Sahoo’s office and dragged him out, kicking and punching him repeatedly. The incident occurred during a public grievance redressal meeting, with over 100 people present. CCTV footage captured the attackers, and three individuals have been arrested so far. Protesting the brutal assault, BMC employees staged a protest, demanding swift justice and enhanced security measures for civic staff.
Former Chief Minister Naveen Patnaik strongly criticised the incident, questioning the safety of citizens if senior officers are not secure. Besides, Bhubaneswar Mayor Sulochana Das condemned the attack, highlighting concerns about the law and order situation in the capital.
Meanwhile, the Additional Commission has lodged an FIR, and the investigation is underway.
BMC Commissioner, terming the incident inside the BMC office shameful, said, “The incident that occurred within the BMC office is shameful. We will enhance our security protocols to prevent such incidents in the future”
