The women’s wing of the Biju Janata Dal (BJD) staged a massive protest in Bhubaneswar on Thursday, demanding the immediate arrest of BJP’s Nilagiri MLA Santosh Khatua.
The demonstration was in response to allegations that Khatua made derogatory remarks against BJD leader Dr. Lekhashree Samantsinghar, tarnishing her dignity. The protesters, led by prominent BJD leaders, burned an effigy of Khatua and marched from Rajmahal Square to the Master Canteen, voicing their outrage.
The rally was spearheaded by BJD’s Chief Whip in the Odisha Legislative Assembly and former minister Pramila Mallik, alongside former ministers Snehangini Chhuria, Tukuni Sahu, Basanti Hembram, former MP Dr. Rajashree Mallik, Sharmistha Sethi, Geetanjali Routray, Dr. Lekhashree Samantsinghar, MLA Manoroma Mohanty, Subasini Jena, Sujata Sahu, Sumitra Jena, Mayor Sulochana Das, Deputy Mayor Manjulata Kanhar, and Dr. Lopamudra Buxi Patra, among others.
The protesters submitted a memorandum to Odisha Police DG Yogesh Bahadur Khurania, urging swift action against Khatua. Complaints have already been filed against him in Balasore and Bhubaneswar, with cases registered.
In response, MLA Santosh Khatua has denied making any derogatory remarks initially, alleging that BJD leaders made defamatory statements against him during a press conference, which prompted his reaction. He emphasised that both men and women deserve equal respect in society and claimed that being labelled a “thief” or “dacoit” equally damages a man’s dignity. Khatua stated that the matter is under police investigation, and appropriate action will follow.
Both sides have lodged complaints, escalating the political controversy in the state. Additionally, BJD has accused Khatua of involvement in an elephant poaching case in Nilagiri on June 15, where three accused were arrested from his farmhouse. The party alleges that the government has failed to take action against him despite these serious charges.
The ongoing investigations into both the poaching and defamation cases have intensified the political standoff in Odisha, with no arrests made so far.
