A disturbing incident at the Rajnagar Block Office in Kendrapara district sparked outrage across Odisha after BJP supporters allegedly threatened a woman Block Development Officer (BDO) inside her office chamber.
On Friday, around noon, more than 40 BJP workers led by local leader and 2024 assembly election candidate Lalit Kumar Behera stormed the office. They surrounded BDO Tilottama Prusti and attempted to pressure her into clearing illegal bills and sanctioning additional works.
Prusti explained that payments for development projects could only be approved in strict accordance with government guidelines and based on verified progress. However, her refusal enraged the group and triggered a heated confrontation.
CCTV footage captured Behera picking up a computer monitor from Prusti’s desk and raising it in a threatening manner toward her. Fortunately, other individuals intervened and wrested the object away, preventing physical harm.
Prusti immediately informed the Kendrapara District Collector and senior officials about the incident. Nevertheless, no details regarding administrative or police action were available at the time of reporting.
The alleged attack reignited debate over the safety of female officials working at the grassroots level. Moreover, BJD spokesperson Lenin Mohanty criticised the law and order situation in Odisha. He wrote on X: “The brutal attack on a woman BDO in Rajnagar by BJP leaders and workers is a reflection of the condition of women in the state.”
The episode intensified demands for strict action against those involved. Additionally, citizens and officials urged stronger safeguards for government officers in rural areas to prevent similar incidents in the future.
