A controversy has erupted in Odisha’s Kendrapara district following allegations of misbehaviour involving Derabish Block Development Officer (BDO) Namita Barik and BJP leader Umakanta Pattnaik.
Pattnaik has strongly denied the allegation, calling it “completely false” and demanding that CCTV footage from the BDO’s office be examined to establish what actually happened.
BJP leader seeks inquiry
Pattnaik addressed the issue at a press conference on Tuesday, saying he had visited the BDO’s office to raise concerns related to public welfare and the functioning of the block.
According to him, he had sought answers regarding alleged irregularities, the frequent transfer of Panchayat Executive Officers (PEOs) and the implementation of various government schemes.
He claimed that he found discrepancies during the discussion and that the matter was immediately brought to the Collector’s notice.
Pattnaik also rejected claims that the BDO had fallen ill following the alleged incident.
“Nothing of that sort happened. I visited the BDO’s office in the afternoon to discuss issues related to various schemes for the common people,” he said.
He further claimed that Barik was “completely fine” in his presence and had no health-related issues at the time.
Pattnaik questioned how such a situation could have occurred within a short period and called for CCTV footage to be examined.
‘Check the CCTV footage’
The BJP leader said the CCTV recordings could help establish the facts and urged authorities to conduct a proper inquiry into the matter.
His demand comes amid conflicting accounts surrounding the alleged incident at the Derabish block office.
The controversy intensified after block employees accused Pattnaik of misbehaving with BDO Namita Barik.
Block employees threaten pen-down protest
Following the allegations, employees of the Derabish block reportedly threatened to launch a pen-down protest in response to the alleged misbehaviour.
The employees’ stand has added another dimension to the dispute, with allegations and counter-allegations now emerging between the BJP leader and block officials.
As the controversy grows, the demand for an inquiry and verification of CCTV footage could become central to determining what transpired at the BDO’s office.
At present, the allegations remain disputed, with Pattnaik denying the charge and seeking an investigation into the incident.
