BY AKSHAYA KUMAR SAHOO
Bhubaneswar, June 14: The controversy surrounding the arrest of Tikhiri Sarpanch Chameli Ojha in Odisha’s Kendrapara district for alleged attack on government officials on duty intensified on Sunday, with the opposition Biju Janata Dal (BJD) demanding a fair and impartial investigation while the state’s ruling BJP government sought a detailed report on the incident.
A BJD delegation, comprising MLA Ganeshwar Behera, party leader Ipsita Sahu and other members, met the Kendrapara Collector and Superintendent of Police (SP) and submitted a four-point memorandum. The party questioned why no action had been taken on the FIR lodged by Chameli Ojha and sought a thorough inquiry into her allegations.
Speaking to reporters, Ipsita Sahu alleged that the concerns raised by the sarpanch had been ignored and questioned the circumstances under which injury marks were found on her body after she was taken to hospital. She also alleged that a video released by the police had been edited to support their version of events.
Responding to the memorandum, Kendrapara Collector Raghuram R. Iyer said the SP would examine the issues raised and conduct an inquiry. He clarified that Chameli Ojha was undergoing treatment at the District Headquarters Hospital as per her own wishes, despite the BJD’s request for her transfer.
Meanwhile, Odisha law minister Prithiviraj Harichandan said the state government had sought a comprehensive report from the district administration and police regarding the incident. He stated that the government was closely monitoring developments and would determine the facts only after receiving official findings.
The minister cautioned against drawing premature conclusions based on media and social media reports, noting that political reactions were natural whenever such incidents occurred. He assured that the government would identify those responsible and take appropriate action if any wrongdoing was established.
Harichandan reiterated that accountability would be fixed based on verified facts and official reports, adding that the government would decide its course of action only after examining the findings submitted by the authorities concerned.
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