Odisha MLA ‘attacks’ Block Development Officer; complaints filed

Deogarh: The Deogarh Police has registered two cases in connection with an incident in which a Block Development Officer (BDO) was allegedly attacked by a BJP legislator earlier today.

While Tileibani BDO Krushna Chandra Dalapati has registered a complaint against Deogarh MLA Subash Chandra Panigrahi accusing the legislator of beating him, another complaint was filed by Panigrahi alleging that the official misbehaved him.

Deogarh SP Rajkishore Paikray informed the police have launched probe into the two cases to find out the veracity of the allegations.

Dalapati said at around 10 am he had gone Dudihiana gram panchayat for reviewing a school transformation work under the State government’s 5T initiative. He received a call informing about the legislator’s visit to the block office.

As the BDO had come out of the office to inspect the school work and conduct an inquiry at Bhaliagudi village under Chepilipalli GP regarding a writ petition case in the Orissa High Court, he said he would meet the legislator after finishing the work.

Dalapati alleged the Deogarh MLA returned from the BDO office and intercepted him near Bhaliagudi and attacked.

The BDO further stated in his complaint the BJP MLA along with associate Pratap Panda beat and kicked him causing bruises on the face and other parts. Somehow Dalapati managed to save his life after his staff and the Tahsildar intervened, the BDO added.