Odisha Crime Branch Begins Probe Into Assault On MLA; Prohibitory Orders Imposed In Jajpur

Jajpur: The Crime Branch of Odisha Pollice on Monday launched its investigation into the alleged attack on Dharmasala MLA Himanshu Sahoo case, while the district administration imposed prohibitory orders in Jajpur town in view of prevailing tension.

Sources said CID Crime Branch teams reached Jajpur and started investigation into the matter relating to the alleged attack on the MLA, road blockade over Biraja Haat issue and protest in front of Jajpur Town Police Station.

The CID CB has reportedly formed three teams and took up three different cases concerning the attack on the MLA on November 13. The CB probe is being conducted under the supervision of ADG Binayatosh Mishra.

Notably, the Odisha government on Sunday handed over the investigation into the attack on the MLA to the Crime Branch.

Meanwhile, the Jajpur district administration imposed prohibitory orders in Jajpur town, an official was quoted by PTI as saying on Monday.

The prohibitory order was imposed under Section 163 of the Bharatiya Nagarik Suraksha Sanhita (BNSS) in Jajpur police station area and Biraja Haat area in the municipal town after tension gripped the district following the attack on Sahoo on November 20 evening, the official said.

The police administration on Sunday conducted a flag march in the district headquarters town. Senior police officials, including Eastern Range DIG Satyajit Naik, Jajpur Collector P Anvesha Reddy and Jajpur SP Yash Pratap Shrimal have appealed for peace.

As many as 28 platoons of police force have been strategically deployed across the city to deter further disturbances.

At least 19 persons have been arrested and forwarded to court in connection with the attack on Dharmasala MLA and Biraja Haat incidents. Four special squads have been formed and they are conducting raids at different places to arrest more people involved in the incidents.

Reddy said she will call a meeting of all stakeholders of Biraja Haat and the district administration would try for an amicable solution so that everything will go smoothly without affecting the Biraja Parikrama Project.