Chaos in Keonjhar: Block Chairman and Associates Arrested for Office Rampage

Arrests Made Following Disturbance at Banspal Block Office

Keonjhar: On Tuesday, local law enforcement apprehended three individuals, including the Banspal block chairman, for allegedly verbally assaulting the Block Development Officer (BDO) and vandalizing the block office.

The arrested individuals have been identified as Manas Dehuri, aged 38, the block chairman from Khajurimundi village, along with Sukadev Mahakur, 50, from Kumundi (B) village, and Padmalochan Arukh, 40, from Kanjipani village.

They have been presented in court, and investigations are ongoing, as stated in a press release by Sadar SDPO Sudarshan Gangoi. The incident took place on the afternoon of May 5, during a meeting where BDO Raja Ranjit Pratap Bal was discussing plans for the birth anniversary of the late revolutionary leader Dharanidhar Naik.

During this meeting, Dehuri, along with Mahakur and Arukh, reportedly stormed into the office, verbally attacked the BDO, and forced staff to exit through the back door after locking the main entrance. They also damaged furniture and glass partitions before fleeing the scene.

Following the incident, the BDO lodged a complaint at Nayakote police station. A case (67/25) was registered, and Sub-Inspector Phuljames Tiga is leading the investigation. Additionally, a vehicle (OD 09 D 7999) linked to the suspects was confiscated.