Bhubaneswar police arrested Ward 65 Corporator Rashmi Ranjan alias Shambhu Pattashani for his role in the Bhagabanpur Café attack.
On February 17, a gang stormed the café on motorcycles and launched a brutal assault using swords and sharp weapons. The attackers targeted café owner Kabiraj Lenka due to personal enmity. Two people sustained serious injuries, and several vehicles were damaged. Panic spread among locals as the violence unfolded.
Police earlier detained three individuals, including a minor. Investigators revealed that the mastermind, Banti, remains at large. Shambhu Pattashani’s arrest added a political dimension to the case, prompting deeper scrutiny. Authorities confirmed they will interrogate him to gather more details.
The incident raised concerns about rising criminal activities in Bhubaneswar. Commissionerate Police assured strict action and promised to intensify investigations. Officials registered multiple IPC sections against the accused and prepared to present Shambhu in court.
This arrest marks the third time in the 2025–26 fiscal year that a Bhubaneswar Municipal Corporation corporator landed in jail. Supporters of Shambhu created chaos outside the jail, highlighting the political tension surrounding the case.
The Bhagabanpur Café attack underscores the growing nexus between crime and politics in the city. Police continue to monitor developments closely.
