Odisha Administrative Officers Continue Protest Over Assault on Colleague
Ongoing Protests by OAS Officers
In Bhubaneswar, Odisha Administrative Service (OAS) officers have extended their 'cease work' protest for a third day, following an incident where a senior colleague was assaulted while on duty. This protest excludes areas affected by floods and Puri, as stated by an official on Thursday.
The mass leave taken by OAS officers is a direct response to the attack on Ratnakar Sahoo, the Additional Commissioner of the Bhubaneswar Municipal Corporation, who was reportedly dragged from his office and assaulted by a group of individuals on Monday.
During a high-level meeting led by Chief Minister Mohan Charan Majhi on Wednesday, Revenue and Disaster Management Minister Suresh Pujari urged the officers to conclude their protest, citing the ongoing floods and the upcoming Rath Yatra as pressing concerns.
So far, five individuals have been detained in connection with the assault, with assurances from Pujari that the remaining suspects will also be captured and brought to justice.
Despite the government's appeals, the officers have persisted with their protest into a third day, significantly disrupting administrative operations and public services throughout Odisha, including in Bhubaneswar.
The officers are demanding the arrest of BJP leader Jagannath Pradhan, who they allege orchestrated the attack on Sahoo.
"We insist on the arrest of Pradhan, who is implicated in this assault. We trust our chief minister will take decisive action against the instigator," stated Jyoti Ranjam Mishra, president of the OAS Association.
OAS officers assigned to flood-affected regions have been instructed to maintain their duties, and those in Puri for the Rath Yatra are continuing their responsibilities as planned.
Pujari reiterated his appeal to the protesting officers to suspend their strike, emphasizing the importance of a thorough investigation before any arrests are made.
Union Minister Dharmendra Pradhan commented on the situation, asserting that no one is above the law and that all individuals, including party members, must refrain from taking the law into their own hands. He expressed confidence that the state government would handle the matter appropriately.
The political climate in the state is intensifying, with the BJP accusing the BJD of instigating the protests to tarnish the government's reputation.
"The OAS Association's strike is politically motivated to discredit the government. They are acting under the directives of BJD leadership," claimed BJP MP Pradip Purohit.
In response, BJD leader and MLA Sarada Jena dismissed these allegations, stating it is inappropriate to involve the party in this matter.
"They lack the courage to confront the BJP individuals responsible for the assault on the officer," Jena remarked.