Former Dharmasala MLA and Biju Janata Dal leader Pranab Balabantray has alleged that he and his supporters were attacked by a group of 40–50 armed persons during the party’s Jan Sampark Padayatra at Madhupurgada Gram Panchayat under Jenapur Police Station in Jajpur district on Sunday afternoon.
According to Balabantray, the incident took place around 3 PM. He claimed the attackers carried swords, axes and other weapons and assaulted him and party workers with the apparent intention of causing serious injuries. Three vehicles, including his own, were allegedly damaged in the attack.
Balabantray further stated that after the initial assault, the group proceeded to the residence of Jagdish Jenamani, threatened him, and later attacked him again. He submitted a written complaint to the Superintendent of Police, Jajpur, seeking immediate registration of an FIR and action against the named persons and their associates.
In the complaint, he alleged that the attackers were supporters and associates of Dharmasala MLA Himanshu Sekhar Sahoo and workers or supporters of the Bharatiya Janata Party. He requested the police to examine whether the incident was politically motivated or carried out with the direction or support of any other person.
Balabantray also sought preservation of CCTV footage, mobile videos, photographs and other evidence, recovery of the weapons allegedly used, and identification of all involved persons. He expressed concern for his safety and that of witnesses and asked for protection. He further requested an inquiry into the response of police personnel reportedly present at the spot and a time-bound investigation under relevant legal provisions.
The allegation comes against the backdrop of earlier reported clashes and vehicle attacks involving Balabantray in the Dharmasala area.
