Sex video puts city Mayor in spot; Odisha NSUI demands probe

Odisha Sun Times Bureau
Bhubaneswar, Dec 15:

In what could land Odisha’s ruling Biju Janata Dal in a major embarrassment, National Students Union of India (NSUI) state unit president Itish Pradhan today demanded a CBI probe into the sex video purportedly featuring Bhubaneswar Municipal Corporation (BMC) Mayor Ananta Narayan Jena.

Pradhan while demanding Jena’s resignation at a press conference here further alleged that the Mayor was also involved in the murder of Ashutosh Mohanty alias Rishi, a student of a Bhubaneswar-based engineering college.

“A video uploaded at niankhunta.com shows BMC mayor Ananta Narayan Jena in a sexual act with a woman. NSUI condemns it and demands a CBI probe in the matter and as well as his resignation,” said Itish Pradhan.

He further alleged Jena’s involvement in the murder of Rishi, student of a Bhubaneswar-based private engineering college.

Police have covered up the incident, he alleged.

“If proper action is not taken in both the cases NSUI would intensify agitation,” he threatened.

However, Jena has dismissed the allegations.

“These allegations are baseless and concocted. The person in the video has no resemblance with me. He has a big belly. His nose has no resemblance to mine,” Jena said.

However, the first citizen of Temple City dodged the query on filing a defamation suit.

The issue also came up in the state Assembly today.

Opposition Chief Whip Tara Prasad Bahinipati raised the issue of Jena’s sexual escapades shown in the video through a point of order.

The BJP too has demanded a probe into the allegation.

“Allegations of impropriety brought against Bhubaneswar Mayor @bjd_odisha must be thoroughly investigated to establish the truth,” BJP spokesperson Lekhashri Samantasinghar tweeted.