Odisha Home Guard Leader's Disturbing Ultimatum: A Call for Justice or Despair?

Ranjan Kumar Mallik, the president of the Odisha Home Guard Association, has issued a chilling ultimatum, threatening self-immolation if his concerns regarding service conditions are not addressed. In a viral video, he highlights the outdated laws governing the force and the lack of basic rights such as pensions and adequate leave. Mallik's plea for justice raises questions about the treatment of home guards in Odisha and the need for urgent reforms. As he prepares for a potential protest on August 25, the situation has garnered significant attention, prompting discussions about the welfare of those serving in this critical role.

By Narendra Chaudhary Aug 21, 2025, 22:34 IST

A Dire Plea from the Home Guard Association

Jajpur: Ranjan Kumar Mallik, the head of the Odisha Home Guard Association, has issued a grave warning about his mental state due to ongoing issues affecting the force in the state. In a video that has gained significant attention, Mallik, who serves as the platoon commander for the Jajpur Home Guard, declared that he would resort to self-immolation outside the Odisha Assembly on August 25 if Chief Minister Mohan Majhi does not allow him to voice his concerns regarding their working conditions.

Mallik criticized the Orissa Home Guards Act of 1961, stating that it is still based on outdated colonial laws that strip them of essential rights, including pensions, provident funds, and sufficient leave.

He expressed that senior officials are making life difficult for home guards due to the existing legislation, leading to a miserable existence for the members of the force.

In a letter addressed to the chief minister, Mallik outlined a 15-point list of demands and alleged that he has faced threats and conspiracies aimed at silencing him for speaking out about the dire conditions faced by home guards.

Mallik claimed, "The lack of regularization in home guard services is part of a larger conspiracy. I am aware of the reasons behind the delays in implementing Supreme Court and high court directives, and I know who is responsible for it."

He has even offered to take a polygraph test to prove the truth of his statements, asserting, "If the Chief Minister doubts my claims, I am willing to undergo a lie detector test. Should I be found guilty of any falsehoods, I will accept any punishment handed to me."

Mallik warned of potential threats to his life before August 25, but promised to reveal evidence of the alleged conspiracies against the home guard service if he survives until then.

He has requested a personal meeting with the Chief Minister to present his evidence.

He reiterated, "If I am not given the opportunity to express my concerns, I will take my life in front of the Vidhan Sabha on August 25."

Previously, Mallik made headlines when he appealed to President Droupadi Murmu for mercy killing, citing his inability to support his family on his current salary, despite having approached the Supreme Court two years ago.

He also criticized the former BJD government for halting new recruitments, although he welcomed the BJP government's decision to lift the ban on home guard appointments in November 2024.