Odisha: BJP state secretary attacked in Jharsuguda, police complaint lodged

By Mahendra Darjee

Bhubaneswar, Jan. 20: A year after state health minister Naba Kishore Das was shot dead in broad daylight at Brajarajnagar in Odisha’s Jharsuguda district, an incident of political violence was reported on Thursday night.

According to a report, some unidentified attackers threw stones at the vehicle of Odisha state BJP secretary Tankadhar Tripathy.

The vehicle was seriously damaged in the stone-pelting. However, there was no injury caused to anyone as there was nobody in the vehicle parked in the garage.

As per initial reports, stone was allegedly hurled late in the evening at the vehicle of Tripathy at his residence in Jharsuguda.

The BJP leader has lodged a police complaint in connection with the incident. The entire act has been captured in the CCTV camera installed at the place.

Earlier this year, eggs were hurled at the BJP leader. It is for the second time the leader has been targetted.

The BJP leader alleged that the law and order situation had virtually collapsed in Jharsuguda and the people here are living in a state of panic.

“My vehicle was targetted. The police examined the CCTV footage and the culprit has been identified. As per the information I received, the culprit has a deep connection with the family members of the leaders of the ruling BJD party here,” alleged Tripathy.

The BJD leaders or the Odisha government could not be contacted over the allegations levelled by Tripathy. Meanwhile, the police has started a probe into the matter.