NEW DELHI: Odisha BJP leader Jagannath Pradhan was arrested on Thursday evening in connection with the assault on Bhubaneswar Municipal Corporation (BMC) Additional Commissioner Ratnakar Sahu, Commissionerate Police confirmed.
Pradhan, identified as the alleged kingpin in the case, was taken into custody from Jharpada and brought in for a medical check-up shortly after his arrest. With this, the total number of arrests in the case has risen to six.
The case stems from an incident in which Additional Commissioner Ratnakar Sahu was allegedly assaulted. Following a complaint naming Pradhan, the BJP leader was summoned to the party’s state headquarters in Bhubaneswar on Tuesday by BJP state president Manmohan Samal.
Also read: Kicked, punched, dragged by collar in front of staff: Odisha bureaucrat assaulted over phone call with BJP leader; officers go on 'mass leave'
Speaking to the media after the meeting, Pradhan said, "I had come to the party office as asked by party president. I had a discussion with him after which I am heading home."
While denying direct involvement in the attack, Pradhan acknowledged the seriousness of the matter in a post on X, writing, “State is heading towards collapse of administrative machinery and law and order situation may prevail. In view of this, I accord due regard to law. I will fully cooperate with whatever action is taken as per law.”
The police are continuing their investigation, and further arrests or action have not been ruled out.
Pradhan, identified as the alleged kingpin in the case, was taken into custody from Jharpada and brought in for a medical check-up shortly after his arrest. With this, the total number of arrests in the case has risen to six.
The case stems from an incident in which Additional Commissioner Ratnakar Sahu was allegedly assaulted. Following a complaint naming Pradhan, the BJP leader was summoned to the party’s state headquarters in Bhubaneswar on Tuesday by BJP state president Manmohan Samal.
Also read: Kicked, punched, dragged by collar in front of staff: Odisha bureaucrat assaulted over phone call with BJP leader; officers go on 'mass leave'
Speaking to the media after the meeting, Pradhan said, "I had come to the party office as asked by party president. I had a discussion with him after which I am heading home."
While denying direct involvement in the attack, Pradhan acknowledged the seriousness of the matter in a post on X, writing, “State is heading towards collapse of administrative machinery and law and order situation may prevail. In view of this, I accord due regard to law. I will fully cooperate with whatever action is taken as per law.”
The police are continuing their investigation, and further arrests or action have not been ruled out.
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