The controversy surrounding the alleged attack on Bhubaneswar Municipal Corporation (BMC) Additional Commissioner Ratnakar Sahoo has intensified as BJP-affiliated Swachha Sathi and local leader Jagannath Pradhan came forward with a string of serious allegations.
The incident, which has triggered a wave of political and administrative responses, now finds itself at the intersection of caste, power abuse, and political rivalry.
🔹 Pradhan’s Allegations:
Pradhan alleged that Sahoo misbehaved with him over a phone call when he inquired about the mistreatment of a fellow Swachha Sathi from Ward 34.
The Swachha Sathi in question had reportedly faced caste-based slurs and pressure for attending a BJP rally. She later filed a complaint with the Kharvela Nagar Police Station.
Pradhan claims he, too, was threatened with job loss for mobilising a group of 60–70 people to attend Prime Minister Modi’s rally.
He further asserted that the Mayor and her husband were complicit in exerting pressure and that Sahoo’s behaviour was disrespectful and politically biased.
🔹 Response from Sahu:
Ratnakar Sahoo has categorically denied all accusations, labelling them as “baseless and fabricated.”
“I was assaulted in the office while performing my duties. These allegations are an attempt to divert attention,” said Sahoo, adding that he trusted the law to take its course.
Sahoo also claimed that all ranks of staff—from senior officers to ground-level employees—have supported his version of events.
🔹 Questions Raised on the Mayor’s Role:
Jagannath Pradhan questioned Mayor Sulochana Das’s silence and inaction during the incident.
He accused the Mayor of attempting to “politically milk the incident” and failing to summon security personnel to de-escalate the confrontation.
🔹 Political Undercurrents:
BJP functionaries have accused BJD of “institutional intimidation” against dissenting voices.
On the other hand, BJD leaders have dismissed the claims as theatrics aimed at manipulating public sentiment ahead of political events.
🔹 Administrative Fallout:
The Odisha Officers’ Association has expressed concern and reportedly called for a mass leave as a form of protest.
Meanwhile, the BMC administration awaits police investigation findings before initiating any internal disciplinary action.
