Bhubaneswar: The alleged near-assault on a woman Block Development Officer (BDO) inside her office chamber in Odisha’s Kendrapada district by BJP supporters has sparked outrage across the state.
The incident occurred around midday on Friday at Rajanagar block office.
According to sources, over 40 BJP workers led by local leader and 2024 assembly election candidate, Lalit Kumar Behera, stormed the office at around 12 noon. They allegedly encircled the BDO, identified as Tilottama Prusti, during the altercation while attempting to coerce the officer into complying with demands, including clearing of illegal bills and sanctioning of additional works.
The BDO reportedly explained that payments for development projects could only be approved in strict accordance with government guidelines and based solely on the actual progress and completion of verified work, which enraged the group.
The CCTV footage from the office, which captured the entire sequence of events, also showed Behera picking up a computer monitor from her desk and raising it in a threatening manner toward her. He, however, was stopped by others, who wrested the object away.
Following the confrontation, Prusti notified the District Collector and higher officials about the matter.
The episode has drawn sharp criticism, reigniting discussions on the security of female officials working at the rural level.
Taking to his X handle, BJD spokesperson Lenin Mohanty alleged that the law and order situation in Odisha is in shambles. “The brutal attack on a woman BDO in Rajnagar by BJP leaders and workers is a reflection of the condition of women in the state,” he added.
