Political Controversy Erupts as Ex-MLA Allegedly Breaches Police Protocol in Jajpur

Incident Raises Questions About Law Enforcement Integrity

In Jajpur district, the actions of former Dharmasala MLA Pranab Kumar Balabantaray have come under intense scrutiny following an incident where he allegedly entered the Badachana police station late Wednesday night and forcibly took custody of an accused individual. This event, which took place around 2 AM, was recorded and subsequently shared on social media by supporters of Balabantaray. The footage depicts him allegedly removing the accused without any legal authority, prompting significant backlash from both the public and political adversaries. Police reports indicate that the individual in question had been arrested for serious charges, including attempted murder and criminal intimidation, and was awaiting court proceedings the following day.

Balabantaray is accused of leveraging his political stature to bypass legal protocols and release the detainee. Leaders from the BJP have criticized the police for their lack of action, suggesting that they have not taken the matter seriously and have failed to uphold the law. Community members and activists are questioning the absence of immediate repercussions for Balabantaray, who is seen as having compromised security measures and obstructed justice. One local resident expressed concern, stating, "If the police do not respond to such overt interference, what message does that send to the community?" The viral nature of the video has amplified calls for accountability from law enforcement, with many advocating for disciplinary measures against both the accused and those involved in his unauthorized release.

In light of the criticism, Balabantaray organized a press conference to justify his actions. He asserted that the accused was a supporter of his who had been unjustly detained by the police. "I went to the station to inquire about my supporter’s detention. I spoke with the Badachana IIC and reached out to the SDPO for clarification," he explained. Balabantaray claimed he secured the release on personal surety and denied any allegations of coercion. "There was no intimidation involved; I simply ensured that an innocent person was not wrongfully held," he stated.

Despite his defense, the legality of his actions remains in question, as does the police's failure to prevent the unauthorized release of a detainee. As the video continues to gain traction online, public demand for accountability and clarity regarding the next steps is increasing.