Bhubaneswar: In a disturbing incident that has raised concerns over the safety of government officials, Bhubaneswar Municipal Corporation (BMC) Additional Commissioner Ratnakar Sahoo was allegedly assaulted and an attempt was made to abduct him by a group of unidentified persons during office hours on Monday.
According to the FIR lodged at Kharvel Nagar Police Station, the incident occurred around 11:30 am inside the BMC headquarters while Sahoo was presiding over the regular Public Grievance Redressal Meeting. He alleged that six to seven unidentified men, described as heavily built, entered the meeting hall without authorisation and confronted him in the presence of other officers, staff, and members of the public.
Sahoo stated that the attackers questioned him about a telephonic conversation he had earlier that day with Jagannath Pradhan. Upon confirming the call, he was allegedly assaulted in full public view.
“Upon hearing this, all of them suddenly stood up and began to physically assault me without any provocation in front of Coroporator of ward no. 29 of Bhubaneswar Municipal Corporation Sri Jeevan Rout. They beat me brutally in full public view with an attempt to murder, in the presence of Public representatives l.e. Corporators of BMC, BMC officers, staff, and citizens. While I was trying to shield myself and plead for mercy, they threatened me and attempted to forcibly drag me into a vehicle, saying that I must come to Sri Jagannath Pradhan and apologise. Despite my repeated pleas, they continued the physical assault, causing serious injuries and profuse bleeding from my face. It was only due to the intervention of BMC staff and officers present at the scene that I was prevented from being abducted. However, the assailants again beat me violently before fleeing the spot,” the officer mentioned in his complaint.
Sahoo further alleged that the group forcefully took his mobile phone and uploaded objectionable content on his WhatsApp status. A screenshot of the same was submitted as part of the complaint.
“The timely intervention of BMC staff and officers prevented the abduction,” the complaint added. “The attack has caused serious physical injuries, mental trauma, and disrupted the functioning of a public office.”
Demanding strict legal action, Sahoo requested registration of a case under relevant sections of the IPC and offered to assist in identifying the accused.
Police have registered a case and begun investigation. While the exact motive behind the assault remains unclear.
