A local court in Khurda on Wednesday granted bail to BJP leader Jagannath Pradhan, who was recently arrested for allegedly orchestrating the brutal assault of a senior Odisha Administrative Service officer inside the Bhubaneswar Municipal Corporation office.
The District and Sessions Court, Khurda, approved Pradhan’s bail on a personal bond of ₹30,000, following a contentious hearing.
The court directed the prosecution to submit evidence, specifically a telephonic conversation between Pradhan and the assaulted officer, Ratnakar Sahoo, who serves as Additional Commissioner of BMC.
According to Advocate Suresh Kumar Sahoo, representing Pradhan, the court granted bail after the government counsel failed to present the purported call records or audio evidence linking Pradhan to the incident.
Assault Sparks Statewide Outrage
The case pertains to an incident that occurred inside the BMC office, where Ratnakar Sahoo was allegedly beaten, dragged on the floor, and kicked in the face by a group believed to be Pradhan’s supporters. A video of the assault went viral on social media, sparking widespread outrage and prompting OAS officers across Odisha to stage a strike, demanding strict action against all accused, including Pradhan.
Facing mounting pressure, Pradhan surrendered to the Bhubaneswar Deputy Commissioner of Police on Thursday night and was taken into custody. He was subsequently presented before the Sub-Divisional Judicial Magistrate (SDJM) court in Bhubaneswar, which denied his initial bail plea and remanded him to 14 days of judicial custody.
Charges & Ongoing Proceedings
Pradhan faces multiple charges under the Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita (BNS), including assault on a public servant, obstructing official duties, and causing grievous injury—serious offences that can lead to stringent penalties if proven.
The case has seen multiple arrests so far. Five other individuals linked to the assault have already been taken into custody. Their bail petitions are scheduled to be heard on July 15.
The incident has added fuel to an already tense political climate in Odisha, with opposition parties and bureaucratic bodies demanding accountability and swift legal action.
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