BJP Leader Jagannath Pradhan Arrested in Assault Case Involving BMC Official

In a significant development, BJP leader Jagannath Pradhan has been arrested for his involvement in the assault of Bhubaneswar Municipal Corporation's Additional Commissioner, Ratnakar Sahoo. This incident, which occurred during a public grievance session, has led to the detention of multiple individuals and sparked protests from the Odisha Administrative Service Association. The association is demanding stronger security for field officers and accountability for those involved in the attack. As tensions rise, administrative work across the state has been disrupted due to mass leave taken by officers in protest.

By Narendra Chaudhary Jul 3, 2025, 22:56 IST

Arrest of BJP Leader in Assault Case

Bhubaneswar: The police have apprehended Jagannath Pradhan, a leader from the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP), in relation to the assault on Ratnakar Sahoo, the Additional Commissioner of the Bhubaneswar Municipal Corporation (BMC).

Pradhan was detained late Thursday night after he reported to the deputy commissioner of police's office. His arrest brings the total number of individuals taken into custody in this case to six. Following his arrest, he was transported to the Capital Hospital for a medical evaluation.

The incident took place on June 30 during a public grievance session at the BMC office, where a group of six to seven individuals reportedly attacked Sahoo. In his report, Sahoo claimed that the assailants seized him by the collar, dragged him, and physically assaulted him. He also accused Pradhan of making offensive comments.

Prior to Pradhan's arrest, five others had already been detained: BJP corporators Jiban Raut, Rashmi Ranjan Mahapatra, Debasish Pradhan, Sachikanta Swain, and Sanjeeb Mishra.

The Odisha Administrative Service (OAS) Association has labeled Pradhan as the 'main accused' and the 'mastermind' behind the attack. The association has submitted a memorandum to Chief Minister Mohan Charan Majhi, urging for Pradhan's swift arrest and enhanced security measures for field officers.

The OAS has issued a three-day ultimatum, demanding public denunciation of the incident and accountability for those involved. Officers from over 20 districts have gone on mass leave in protest, disrupting administrative operations across the state.