Bhubaneswar: A day after a murder at around 8 am, an attack on a President award-winning teacher, and a theft in a temple rocked Bhubaneswar on a single day, a war of words ensued between Mayor Sulochana Das and BJP Ekamra-Bhubaneswar MLA Babu Singh on Tuesday over law and order situation in the Odisha capital.
Taking to her X handle, Das noted that she was disturbed by reports of multiple violent incidents across the city “known for its peace, inclusivity, and progressive spirit” and urged the state government and Chief Minister Mohan Charan Majhi to act swiftly to restore public confidence.
“Our citizens deserve to feel safe — in both public and private spaces…. As Mayor, my foremost priority is the well-being of every resident. Let’s unite to uphold the dignity, safety, and harmony of our Temple City,” she wrote.
President awardee schoolteacher Dwiti Chandra Sahu (50), hailing from Rayagada district, was brutally assaulted and robbed of his mobile phone by an unknown thief near Bhubaneswar railway station on Monday. He sustained a severe head injury requiring 25 stitches during his treatment at Capital Hospital. Similarly, a 27-year-old employee of AIIMS, Bhubaneswar, was shot dead barely three kilometres from the institute over property dispute while robbers decamped with gold ornaments and sacred items worth nearly Rs 30 lakh from a temple in the Nayapalli locality the previous night,
Singh hit back, calling the concerns baseless and accusing Das of acting like a BJD spokesperson rather than a capital’s civic leader accountable for public safety. “As mayor, she is also part of the administration, which has law and order responsibility. She should spell out how she has been contributing to a better Bhubaneswar instead of passing the blame,” he said.
The MLA further argued that Odisha has become a safer place under BJP rule and CM Mohan Majhi’s leadership, with the government taking firm legal action against crimes.
On Monday, BJD president and Leader of Opposition Naveen Patnaik had also criticised the government over the “deteriorating” law and order situation. “Unrest in the state capital, open reign of terror is growing. Who will provide security to the people? Only after occurrence incidents, the police administration under the BJP government becomes active, which makes criminals fearless,” he posted on X.
Naveen further claimed that bullets are flying in broad daylight and criminals are roaming freely without fear. “While the state’s law and order has deteriorated, it is most surprising that the BJP government is not attentive. Prioritising people’s safety, the government should take strict measures to ensure a fear-free environment,” he added.
Similarly, CPI(M) leader Suresh Chandra Panigrahy said the murder and other crimes in Bhubaneswar have once again exposed the complete collapse of law and order under the so-called “double engine” BJP government.
