Mastermind behind attack on journalist Bijay Pradhan arrested after three days on the run

By Mahendra Darjee

Bhubaneswar, May 27: Odisha Police on Tuesday arrested Gajendra Dalei, the key accused in the brutal assault on veteran journalist Bijay Pradhan in Bolangir district. Dalei, who had been absconding since the incident, was apprehended near Jharsuguda after an extensive three-day search.

This comes a day after police arrested four others directly involved in the May 23 attack, which sparked outrage across the state and renewed concerns over the safety of journalists reporting from rural Odisha.

“Acting on credible inputs, Puintala Police intercepted and arrested Gajendra Dalei, who is believed to have masterminded the attack on senior journalist Bijay Pradhan,” confirmed Bolangir Additional SP (Crime) on Tuesday evening.

The incident took place at Kulthipali village under Puintala police limits when Pradhan was reporting on alleged irregularities in the construction of a guard wall under a government scheme. Eyewitnesses said a group of men confronted the journalist while he was taking photographs and recording information. In a shocking public display of violence, they reportedly snatched his mobile phone, microphone, and reporting equipment, tied his hands, and physically assaulted him.

Disturbing visuals of the assault, captured by locals and circulated widely on social media, showed the journalist being repeatedly kicked in the face — triggering statewide condemnation and demands for swift action.

On the basis of Pradhan’s complaint and viral video evidence, police registered a case and arrested four of the attackers within 48 hours. They were identified as Abhinash Dalai, Aditya Jena, Gumara Nayak, and a minor whose identity has been withheld.

Speaking to the media, Bolangir SP Abhilash G said, “We are investigating every angle of this case. Preliminary evidence suggests that contractor Gajendra Dalei, involved in the guard wall construction, instigated the assault. His role is being examined closely.”

Journalist associations, civil rights groups, and several social organisations across Odisha have condemned the attack and demanded strict action against all involved, including Dalei. Many have called for improved security measures for reporters working in remote areas.

The incident has once again highlighted the growing risks faced by grassroots journalists in the state.