Odisha MLA Himanshu Sahoo Attack Case: Anticipatory Bail For Sarpanch Debashish Panda

Cuttack: Sarpanch Debashish Panda got an interim relief in connection with the case related to the alleged attack on Dharmasala MLA Himanshu Sekhar Sahoo in Jajpur district as the Orissa High court granted him anticipatory bail.

The interim relief was granted by the High Court after examining the plea made by the legislator seeking anticipatory bail in the case.

Sources said Panda had filed an application seeking anticipatory bail apprehending arrest in the case as an FIR had been filed in Jajpur Sadar police station in connection with the alleged attack on the MLA last month.

It may be noted that Sahoo was proceeding to attend a meeting along with an associate a few days back when some people were seen staging a road blockade near Budhapola under Jajpur Town police station by burning tyres.

When the MLA came out of his vehicle to enquire about the incident, some miscreants, who claimed themselves to be the supporters of senior BJD leader Pranab Prakash Das, allegedly attacked him with iron rods and sticks.

The legislator had alleged that the attack was made by supporters of BJD’s organisational secretary and former MLA Pranab Prakash Das. The police have arrested 19 persons including Bhaba Prakash Das, cousin of Pranab Prakash Das.

Subsequently, the Odisha government handed over the investigation into the attack on MLA Sahoo to the Crime Branch.