Bhubaneswar, 2 July (H.S.) The Odisha Administrative Service (OAS) Association has strongly condemned the recent assault on Bhubaneswar Municipal Corporation (BMC) Additional Commissioner Ratnakar Sahoo and demanded the immediate arrest of Jagannath Pradhan, the alleged prime accused in the incident.

According to a complaint filed by Sahoo at the Kharvelnagar Police Station, the official was physically assaulted during a public grievance redressal meeting at the BMC office. The assault reportedly occurred after a group of youths confronted Sahoo, questioning whether he had spoken to Jagannath Pradhan. Upon confirming the phone call, the group allegedly attacked him.

In response, the OAS Association has called for stringent legal action and urged the state government to ensure adequate security for all field-level officers, including Tahsildars, Sub-Collectors, Block Development Officers (BDOs), and Executive Officers, especially while performing official duties.

Terming the assault as “deeply demoralising and unacceptable,” the association stated that such incidents pose a grave threat to the morale, safety, and dignity of public servants across Odisha. The association has also demanded a strong public condemnation of the attack from the state government.

OAS Association Vice President Santanu Kumar Mohanty confirmed that many officers have proceeded on leave as a mark of protest and will not return to duty until their demands are met.

Reacting to the issue, Revenue and Disaster Management Minister Suresh Pujari acknowledged the seriousness of the situation but urged restraint, stating, “This is not the appropriate time for a strike, especially with the ongoing Puri Ratha Yatra and flood-like conditions in parts of the state.” He added that the government is open to dialogue and assured that the concerns of officers will be addressed.

The association has also submitted a formal memorandum to Chief Minister Mohan Charan Majhi through Chief Secretary Manoj Ahuja, seeking swift action.

Meanwhile, the Odisha Revenue Service (ORS) Officers’ Association, which had joined the protest, has decided to resume emergency duties, particularly related to the Rath Yatra and flood response efforts. ORS Association President Kanishka Bodhisatwa confirmed the decision, emphasising the importance of public service during critical times.

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Hindusthan Samachar / Monalisa Panda