Jajpur Police arrested four individuals in connection with the attack on the vehicle of BJD leader and former Dharmasala MLA Pranab Kumar Balabantaray.
The incident occurred in Aruha village while Balabantaray was en route to attend the Hingula Yajna. Though unharmed, his vehicle sustained severe damage, allegedly by a club-wielding group carrying bhujali and swords.
The attack has triggered political unrest, with Balabantaray accusing local leader Himanshu Sekhar Sahoo of orchestrating the violence—an allegation Sahoo has denied. BJD President Naveen Patnaik condemned the attack, calling it a sign of the state’s deteriorating law and order.
In response, senior BJD leaders announced plans to meet the Director General of Police (DGP) if swift action isn’t taken. Meanwhile, Industries Minister Sampad Swain has suggested that the assault may have been carried out by party insiders, hinting at internal tensions within BJD.
As investigations continue, Odisha’s political scene remains on edge, with leaders demanding accountability and stricter security measures for public representatives.
