BJD Slams Odisha Govt Over ‘Inaction’ Against Outgoing Governor Raghubar Das’ Son

Bhubaneswar: After Raghubar Das resigned as Odisha Governor, Biju Janata Dal (BJD) renewed its demand for action against his son, who was accused of assaulting a government official at Raj Bhavan in Puri in July this year.

Coming down heavily on the BJP government over the issue, the opposition party accused it of having failed to take any action against Das’ son.

The opposition party said that an investigation was promised into the allegation after political parties raised the demand in July this year. The government had announced an investigation by the Puri district Collector with a report to be submitted within 15 days. However, this promise remained unfulfilled, and no action was taken, BJD spokesperson Lenin Mohanty said.

The BJP government’s silence on this incident highlights the weak law and order situation in the state. Although Raghubar Das has resigned, it remains to be seen whether the BJP government will now deliver justice to the assistant section officer (ASO) who was allegedly assaulted by Lalit Das, he said.

Notably, ASO Baikunthanath Pradhan, who was posted to Raj Bhavan in Puri, had alleged that the governor’s son Lalit Das, and five others including his personal security officers allegedly assaulted him on the night of July 7.

Following the alleged assault, a case was filed against Lalit Das, and Pradhan was transferred to the state secretariat.

Meanwhile, Pradhan’s wife Sayoja reportedly stated that she would meet the new governor to seek justice.