BJD Condemns Police Misconduct Against Journalists During Rath Yatra Coverage

BJD Voices Concerns Over Journalist Treatment in Puri

Bhubaneswar: The Biju Janata Dal (BJD) has expressed strong disapproval regarding the alleged mistreatment of journalists during the Rath Yatra in Puri, an event for which they were officially invited by the Odisha government.

Lenin Mohanty, a spokesperson for the BJD, stated that the government had organized transportation for accredited journalists traveling from Bhubaneswar to Puri.

However, upon arrival in Puri, journalists reportedly faced obstruction from the police, who denied them the opportunity to perform their duties despite the journalists presenting their identification and passes. Mohanty claimed that many senior journalists were subjected to inappropriate behavior and physical aggression by the police.

He further noted that several journalists, including a female reporter, sustained injuries, necessitating hospitalization.

Mohanty urged the Chief Minister to take immediate action against the officers responsible for the disturbances during the Rath Yatra.