Last Updated on 13/07/2024 by wccexam Desk
Serious allegations against Raghuvar Das’s son.
Odisha Raj Bhawan Controversy: Opposition parties in Odisha, including the Biju Janata Dal (BJD) and the Congress, have demanded action against Governor Raghubar Das’ son over the alleged attack on an assistant section officer of the Raj Bhavan in Puri. Raj Bhavan Assistant Section Officer Baikunth Pradhan on Friday claimed that Das’ son Lalit Kumar and his (Kumar’s) five companions assaulted him while he was inspecting President Draupadi Murmu’s visit on July 7.
Demand for action against Lalit Kumar intensifies
During a protest outside the Raj Bhavan here on Saturday, the Congress youth wing and student wing NSUI demanded that an FIR be lodged against Kumar. They criticised the delay in police action and resolved to continue the protest till Kumar’s arrest. Police later dispersed the protesters.
‘Attacked in collaboration with private security personnel’
NSUI state president Yashir Nawaz said, ‘The governor’s son along with his friends and personal security personnel attacked an officer. Six days have passed but no FIR has been lodged. Senior Congress MLA Taraprasad Bahinipati alleged political interference to prevent Kumar’s arrest and insisted on immediate action.
BJD raised serious questions on police
BJD’s Pratap Keshari Deb also condemned the incident and questioned the police’s “inaction”. He appealed to Chief Minister Mohan Majhi to ensure justice. Deb said, “Pradhan may be a low-level official but this incident is not a minor one. The governor’s son’s behaviour towards a government official is reprehensible and unfortunate.” The BJD leader said, “The chief minister, who also holds the charge of home and general administration departments, has constantly stressed on ensuring justice for the poor and the common people. But now questions are being raised on the government’s ability to deliver justice in this case, as no action has been taken so far.”
What did Pradhan’s wife say about Lalit Kumar?
Pradhan’s wife Sayoj alleged that Kumar targeted her husband as he was dissatisfied with the transport arrangements. She expressed her disappointment over no action being taken despite her husband’s complaint and demanded justice. “On the night of July 7, when Pradhan was in his office, Kumar and his associates forcibly took him to their room and attacked him,” she told reporters on Friday.
‘He slapped me and kicked me in various parts of my body’
When asked about the reason for the incident, Sayoj said, “The governor’s son was upset because my husband did not arrange a luxury car to bring him.” In his complaint to the governor’s principal secretary, Baikunth Pradhan gave a detailed account of the assault on him and also said that during the incident, Kumar also allegedly threatened to kill him. Pradhan said, “He slapped me…kicked me at various places on my body.”
The Odisha Secretariat Service Association has appealed to the Chief Minister to intervene in the matter but till now neither Kumar nor the Governor’s office has issued any statement regarding these allegations.