Cuttack: The Orissa High Court on Thursday asked sarpanch of Laxmiprasad panchayat in Nayagarh district Soumya Ranjan Pradhan to seek police protection from SP.
“The writ petition is disposed of directing the petitioner to file a detailed representation before the Superintendent of Police, Nayagarh within 15 days from today. If such representation is filed, the same shall be disposed of within a week from the date of its filing. It is made clear that if there is any threat perception so far as the petitioner is concerned, immediate steps will be taken by the SP,” the court said in its order.
Pradhan had earlier alleged that the Agriculture and Higher Education minister Arun Sahoo told the police to put pressure on him to remain silent on the Pari murder case.
Apprehending threats to his life from the minister, he had moved the High Court on November 27 seeking protection for him and his family members.