Khurda: High drama unfolded during a Khurda Zilla Parishad meeting in Odisha on Wednesday when a member allegedly attempted self-immolation, demanding the immediate transfer of Bolagarh Block Development Officer (BDO) Suman Sudha Kundu.
The individual has been identified as Pradeep Chhotray, the Zilla Parishad member representing Zone 27 of Bolagarh.
According to eyewitnesses, the meeting, which was being held in the presence of the District Collector, the Chairman of the District Planning Board
, and several MLAs from various constituencies in the district, suddenly took a chaotic turn when Chhotray, in a desperate move, poured petrol over his body inside the meeting hall, attempting to set himself on fire. Alert MLAs and other public representatives present at the venue immediately intervened to stop Chhotray and defuse the situation. Local MLA and Chairman of the District Planning Board Prashant Jagdev also stepped in to pacify the agitated member, assuring him that the matter would be formally discussed and addressed.
The suicide attempt stems from a long-standing resentment among local elected representatives, including sarpanchs, samiti members, and Zilla Parishad members from Bolagarh and Begunia, regarding the functioning of the Bolagarh BDO. Representatives have alleged that for over six months, the BDO has been neglecting them, bypassing protocol, and failing to provide proper information regarding government schemes and public work distribution.
Despite prior sit-in protests and demonstrations held in front of Bolagarh Block office demanding the BDO’s transfer, no official action had been taken against him so far.