Central BJP Team Begins Probe In Sambalpur, Blames Odisha Govt & Police For Violence

Sambalpur: The fact-finding team of BJP, which launched its probe into recent violence in Sambalpur, blamed the Odisha government and police for the incidents that rocked the city during Hanumam Jayanti celebrations.

The committee, formed by BJP national president J P Nadda, began the on-the-spot investigation into the violent incidents in the western Odisha city on April 12 and 14.

The probe panel comprising four BJP MPs had reached the state on Monday before launching the on-the-spot inquiry this morning. The committee will submit a comprehensive factual report to the party president.

The panel comprises Rajya Sabha MPs Brijlal from Uttar Pradesh, Samir Oraon and Aditya Sahu, both from Jharkhand, and Jyotirmay Singh Mahato from West Bengal.

Speaking about preliminary findings, Brijlal, who heads the probe panel, claimed that the violence appeared to have been sponsored and taken place because of failure on the part of the state government.

The team members visited the incident sites and held discussions with the locals. They also visited the village of a deceased person. After concluding the probe, the panel will prepare a report which will be submitted to the party chief, he said.

It may be noted here that Sambalpur witnessed large-scale violence first on April 12 during a bike rally by the organisers of a Hanuman Jayanti celebration, and on April 14, when the main procession was taken out.

Several people, including at least 10 police personnel, were injured in the April 12 violence. Several shops and vehicles were also set afire. The police have so far arrested over 100 people and hunt is on to nab several others in connection with the violent incidents in the city.