Jajpur: Senior BJD leader and former MLA Pranab Balabantray and his supporters were allegedly attacked by a group of armed persons in Odisha’s Jajpur district on Sunday.
According to reports, the incident took place at Madhupurgada Gram Panchayat, under Jenapur police station, around 3 pm during the BJD’s statewide Jan Sampark Padayatra.
Around 40 to 50 miscreants carrying swords, axes and other dangerous weapons assaulted the former MLA and his supporters, eyewitnesses said.
Three vehicles, including Balabantray’s car, were damaged during the attack.
Balabantray later lodged a complaint with the Jajpur Superintendent of Police seeking registration of an FIR and stringent action against the accused persons and their unidentified associates.
BJD workers gheraoed the SP’s office demanding immediate arrest of the miscreants.
The BJD leader asked for immediate preservation and examination of CCTV footage, mobile videos, photographs, police records and other available evidence, along with recovery of the weapons allegedly used in the attack.
Balabantray alleged that the accused persons were supporters and associates of MLA Himanshu Sekhar Sahoo, and workers/supporters of the BJP. He requested the authorities to conduct an impartial inquiry into the response of police personnel present at the spot during the incident. He also sought a fair and time-bound investigation, followed by appropriate stringent legal action against all persons found responsible.
Expressing serious apprehension about his safety and safety of witnesses, Balabantray sought necessary protection and preventive measures.
