BJP observes Deogarh bandh opposing MLA Subash Panigrahi’s arrest

Deogarh: A 12-hour dawn-to-dusk bandh is being observed by the BJP in Odisha’s Deogarh district today opposing MLA Subash Chandra Panigrahi’s arrest and demanding arrest of Tileibani BDO Krushnachandra Dalapati.

The agitators resorted to picketing and road blockade during the bandh from 6 am to 6 pm. While vehicular movement was affected due to the bandh, shops and business establishments remained closed here.

However, emergency services and vehicles carrying students for examinations were excluded from the ambit of the bandh.

Notably, Deogarh police yesterday arrested Deogarh MLA Subash Chandra Panigrahi from his official residence in Bhubaneswar for allegedly thrashing the BDO.

The BJP MLA’s two associates– Akalu Dhal and Kumarmani Sahoo– were also held by the police.

The BDO had accused the legislator of thrashing him and filed an FIR. The MLA had also lodged an FIR alleging that the BDO misbehaved with him when he had gone to meet him for some public work.

Protesting the arrest, BJP MLAs Kusum Tete, Mohan Majhi and Bhabani Bhoi along with party workers staged a dharna in front of the Deogarh police station, last evening. The BJP legislators demanded the arrest of Tileibani BDO.

Though Panigrahi has first filed the FIR alleging he was misbehaved by the BDO, police, instead of taking action against the BDO, have arrested the MLA, alleged Majhi.

BJP leader and Union minister Dharmendra Pradhan too criticised the government over the arrest of his party MLA.

On the other hand, BJD spokesperson Lenin Mohanty said assaulting and intimidating government officials is becoming a habit of the BJP public representatives of Odisha and protecting them instead of condemning their violence is becoming a habit of the Odisha BJP.

“When action as per law is being taken against the BJP MLA Panigrahi, the Odisha BJP, instead of condemning his violent behaviour, is very unfortunately protecting him and his misdeeds,” Mohanty said.

The Biju Janata Dal (BJD) always stands for the rule of law and for the law to take its course, he added.

(With agency inputs)