Bhubaneswar, April 13: Leader of Opposition and BJD President Naveen Patnaik has expressed deep concern over Odisha’s law and order situation following an attack on the vehicle of former Dharmasala MLA and BJD leader Pranab Balabantaray in Jajpur district.
Taking to social media platform X, Patnaik stated, “When public representatives and political leaders are not safe, it naturally raises questions about the safety of ordinary citizens.” He criticized the State Government’s inability to rein in anti-social elements, alleging that such inaction is emboldening criminal activity.
Patnaik demanded swift and stringent action against the perpetrators and urged the government to take decisive steps to curb political violence.
The incident occurred earlier in the day at Aruha village under Dharmasala Tehsil. Unidentified miscreants targeted Balabantaray’s vehicle while he and his supporters were heading to a religious function dedicated to Maa Hingula.
The attack sparked tension in the area, prompting immediate police intervention. Local IIC reached the spot and brought the situation under control.
Balabantaray has blamed the attack on the local stone mafia operating in the Dankari area.
Currently, Balabantaray is in charge of BJD’s Youth and Student Wings. He is the son of the late BJD leader Kalpataru Das. He was elected as MLA from Dharmasala twice in 2014 and 2019.
