Kendrapada: Amid a high-voltage drama, Tikhiri Gram Panchayat Sarpanch Chameli Ojha of Mahakalapada block in Odisha’s Kendrapada district was sent to judicial custody on Saturday.
Ojha, arrested in connection with a major altercation at the Mahakalapada block office earlier this week, was sent to jail following rejection of her bail application by a court.
According to police, the woman sarpanch had visited the Block Office on June 11 to raise issues related to pending development work payments and other local grievances. During an official meeting, she allegedly entered into a heated argument with the Block Development Officer (BDO) and other officials, disrupting proceedings and obstructing government work.
Police alleged that when officers intervened, Ojha and her associates misbehaved with police personnel and physically resisted action. She has been accused of assaulting police officers, even biting a woman Sub-Inspector, and attacking other security personnel. Three police personnel reportedly sustained injuries and underwent medical treatment.
Two cases have been registered at Mahakalapada Police Station based on complaints filed by the BDO and a police officer, invoking several provisions of the Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita (BNS). Ojha’s younger brother was also arrested in connection with the incident.
Following her detention, Ojha complained of health issues and was admitted to Kendrapada District Headquarters Hospital (DHH). She has alleged police excesses and claimed she was targeted for raising issues concerning stalled developmental works. She also accused supporters of a local BJP MLA of being involved in the incident.
Police authorities have denied the allegations, maintaining that available evidence, witness statements and medical reports support the charges against the accused and confirm injuries suffered by police personnel.
The incident has triggered a political controversy, with opposition parties, sarpanch associations and civil society groups expressing support for Chameli Ojha, while BJP leaders have defended the police and administrative action.
Meanwhile, Odisha Pradesh Congress Committee (OPCC) president Bhakta Charan Das described the abrupt move to shift the woman sarpanch to jail as shameful. “The incident of her being discharged from the hospital and hurriedly sent to jail is utterly shameful,” Das said in a post on social media.
The case remains under investigation, with competing claims from both sides continuing to fuel political debate across the state.
