Bhubaneswar: Leader of Opposition and Biju Janata Dal (BJD) president, Naveen Patnaik, on Wednesday visited injured Sheragada block chairman Krushna Chandra Nayak at IGKC Multispeciality Hospital in Bhubaneswar, where he is undergoing treatment.
Nayak (60) was seriously injured after being brutally assaulted in his office chamber on Tuesday evening by a group of assailants. He suffered head injuries and was initially admitted to MKCG Medical College and Hospital in Berhampur before being transferred to the state capital for further treatment.
Speaking to reporters, Naveen described the incident as deeply disturbing. “I am shocked to find the chairman of one of the blocks in my assembly constituency has been badly injured.” He alleged the assault was carried out by “BJP goons” and questioned the broader implications: “If this is the state of affairs in the Leader of Opposition’s constituency, you can imagine what is happening all over the state.”
Meanwhile, Odisha Police have arrested five persons – Sibananda Gouda (21), Kanha Barada (25), Raja Barada (23), Kanha Barada (24) and Jitendra Moharana (39) – in connection with the attack, which is attributed to a dispute possibly linked to tenders. Others involved in attacking the chairperson will be arrested soon, said Ganjam SP Subhendu Kumar Patra.
The BJD supremo also expressed concern over Odias stranded amid the ongoing conflict in West Asia. He criticised the state government for its misplaced priorities, alleging that it is busy in “horse-trading” ahead of upcoming Rajya Sabha elections instead of ensuring their safe evacuation and return. “This is shocking state of affairs,” he added.
His remarks came as Odisha Chief Minister Mohan Majhi directed Chief Secretary Anu Garg to take the necessary steps for swift evacuation of Odia people from the war-torn region.
The Directorate of Odisha Parivar has so far received 200 calls from the stranded Odias and 35 among them have returned home in two phases. It is also in touch with the members of Odia associations in Dubai, Abu Dhabi and Bahrain and assessing the situation, official sources said.
The state government has formed a dedicated working group, in collaboration with Odisha Parivar, the State Home Department, the Directorate of Labour, and various Non-Resident Indian associations, to coordinate assistance and share information with Odias residing in West Asia. Pritish Panda, Officer on Special Duty (OSD) at the Directorate of Odisha Parivar, has been appointed as the nodal officer and primary point of contact for these efforts.
