Politics hots up after attack on Sikh youth in Odisha capital

Bhubaneswar: Opposition parties today lambasted the ruling Biju Janata Dal (BJD) over the deteriorating law and order situation in the capital city after a Sikh youth was attacked by youths in broad daylight yesterday in presence of police personnel.

The principal Opposition BJP claimed that the attackers got bail a couple of hours after their arrest since they are affiliated to the ruling party.

“I strongly condemn the incident. The attack took place in the presence of police personnel. How could the attackers secure bail despite murderous attack,” BJP leader Lekhasri Samantasinghar questioned.

The firebrand saffron leader also lashed out at Bhubaneswar (Central) MLA Ananta Narayan Jena for visiting the victim’s house in the dead of night.

“MLA Ananta Narayan Jena visited Singh family at around 1.30 am. Is this the hour to visit anybody’s house? The MLA terrorized the family and put pressure on them to leave Bhubaneswar,” she alleged.

The BJD celebrated after their goons were released on bail. Sweets were distributed and fire crackers also burst. I am aghast that 307 of IPC was slapped for hurling eggs, whereas lenient sections were imposed for murderous assault on a gentleman,  BJP leader Jagannath Pradhan expressed.

Earlier in the day, the BJP leaders had visited the victim’s family here.

“Where is law? People from outside states have no right to reside here? Sikh youth has been assaulted in Odisha. Will Odisha youth meet the same fate in Punjab? It is highly condemnable,” Jatani MLA and veteran Congress leader Suresh Routray said.

Later, BJP lodged a complaint against Ananta Narayan and Anup at the Laxmisagar police station.

Notably, Local MLA Ananta Narayan Jena and ACP of Commissionerate of Police Anup Kanungo along with two other persons had visited Singh’s family very late in the night and again this morning.

“Opposition BJP should not politicize the issue. Action has been initiated against the wrongdoers and erring policeman,” BJP leader and Rajya Sabha MP Sasmit Patra said in his response.

Meanwhile, police personnel have been deployed in front of the apartment to provide security to the Singh family.

A city-based businessman Parvinder Pal Singh was attacked by a group of youth in front of an apartment (Bhagwan Tower) near Laxmisagar flyover over parking of a four-wheeler.

Brutal attack on Singh despite presence of two police personnel has raised many eyebrows.

The broad daylight incident has again posed question marks on the failing law and order situation in the otherwise peaceful city. Last week, a group of around 20 masked miscreants, including some minors, had gone on a rampage at Market Building. They beat up roadside vendors and vandalized their makeshift shops causing loss to property worth lakhs.