A violent assault on Bhubaneswar Municipal Corporation (BMC) Additional Commissioner Ratnakar Sahoo, OAS (SAG), during a public grievance redressal meeting on June 30 has triggered a major crisis within the civic body. The attack has ignited a “black badge” protest strike by BMC employees.
The incident, which occurred at the BMC office, saw a group of six to seven unidentified individuals unlawfully enter the meeting, physically attack Sahoo, and attempt to abduct him, causing serious injuries and trauma. The attackers also seized his mobile phone, later misusing it to circulate defamatory content.
Based on his complaint filed at Kharvelnagar Police Station, the Commissionerate Police arrested three suspects—Jeevan Rout, Rashmi Mahapatra, and Debashis Pradhan—allegedly linked to the BJP Yuva Morcha. The accused were charged under strict legal sections and forwarded to court. Police are investigating the potential involvement of others.
In response, BMC employees donned black badges and protested, signalling internal discontent and a demand for better security and accountability.
In a letter addressed to the BMC Commissioner, the employees expressed deep anguish and condemned the assault as an attack on the civil service and public institutions. They highlighted the shaken confidence and morale among officers and staff, who now feel vulnerable. In solidarity with their injured colleague, BMC employees have resolved to withhold administrative cooperation and abstain from official assignments—except emergency services—until justice is served.
Their demands include the immediate identification and arrest of the attackers, strict legal action against all perpetrators and instigators, a formal public condemnation from BMC leadership, and enhanced security arrangements for officers. This “black badge” protest strike, reported widely on July 1, marks a rare collective action within the corporation.
As BMC employees stand firm, the city awaits a resolution. Though authorities have assured a thorough probe, BMC employees plan to escalate their protest if their demands are unmet.
The Odisha Administrative Service (OAS) Association postponed its mass leave protest, originally planned for July 1, following a high-level meeting with Chief Minister Mohan Majhi late on Monday night.
The city watches closely as this clash between citizens, officials, and workers unfolds, raising questions about the future of civic harmony in Bhubaneswar.
