Police Case Against Former Odisha Minister Srikanta Sahu Based On Woman’s Complaint

Berhampur: A police case has been registered against former Odisha Minister Srikanta Sahu and his family members in Ganjam for allegedly misbehaving with a woman.

According to sources, the case was registered at Kabisuryanagar Police Station in Ganjam district based on a complaint lodged by Sanjukta Mahala against Srikanta, former Polasara MLA, and his family members.

Police have initiated investigation into the woman’s allegation that she was misbehaved during a visit to the ex-Minister’s residence on February 14, this year.

She accused the Srikanta, his father, brother, sister-in-law and other family members of having physically assaulting her apart from hurling verbal abuse.

Sanjukta claimed that though she had lodged a complaint about the incident at Kabisuryanagar Police Station. However, instead of taking action against the accused persons, police arrested her, she claimed in her fresh complaint.

The case has been registered by the police after the woman sent her fresh complaint by post. Police said probe into the matter is underway and appropriate action will be taken.

No reaction has so far been available from Shrikant and his family members on the development.
Notably, Sanjukta had earlier lodged two complaints against Shrikant at Mahila Police Station in Bhubaneswar, accusing the former Minister of having betrayed her after being in a relationship for nine years and subjecting her to physical and mental harassment. She had also cited threat to her life and demanded police protection.

Shrikant had been removed from the then BJD Ministry following these allegations.
In August 2023, she also moved Orissa High Court, seeking a direction for proper investigation into her allegations.