Archive · 5 Oct 2026
BJD Demands Arrests After Alleged Attack on Former MLA
The BJD says former lawmaker Pranab Balabantray and party workers were attacked during a walk in Odisha.
The party says the incident happened on October 4 in Panturi village.
It alleges that more than 50 armed people were involved and that Balabantray’s vehicle was damaged.
BJD leaders say the police did not respond properly.
They want the people involved to be arrested and the incident investigated fairly.
They also want action against the local police station officer.
The BJD blames the state government for not keeping order.
It says it may take the matter to court if no action is taken.
The BJD demanded arrests over an alleged attack on former MLA Pranab Balabantray during a padayatra in Dharmasala.
Sanjay Das Burma alleged that more than 50 armed people attacked Balabantray and party workers at Panturi village on October 4.
The party said stones were thrown at Balabantray’s vehicle and it was damaged; it alleged the incident occurred in police presence.
BJD leaders accused the Odisha government and district police of failing to act, and called for an impartial probe.
The party sought strict action against those responsible and the transfer of the Jenapur police station officer, warning it may pursue legal action.
- Who
- Former MLA Pranab Balabantray, BJD workers, and people alleged by the BJD to have carried out the attack; BJD leaders made the demands.
- What
- The BJD alleged an attack during a padayatra and demanded arrests, an impartial investigation, and action against a police officer.
- When
- October 4; the BJD made its demands on Monday.
- Where
- Panturi village, Dharmasala constituency, Jajpur district, Odisha.
- Why
- The BJD alleged the attack was politically motivated and accused authorities of failing to act effectively.
BJD’s allegations
Authorities’ response
Responsibility and police conduct
BJD’s allegations
BJD leaders alleged that an armed group attacked Balabantray and party workers, that the incident occurred in police presence, and that authorities failed to take effective action.
Authorities’ response
The articles provide no response from the Odisha government or police to the BJD’s allegations.
Nature of the incident
BJD’s allegations
The BJD described the attack as politically motivated and said recurring violence in Dharmasala threatened democratic rights.
Authorities’ response
The articles do not report a response disputing or confirming the BJD’s characterization.
- Incident date
- October 4
- Location
- Panturi village, Dharmasala constituency, Jajpur district
- Person targeted
- Former MLA Pranab Balabantray
- Alleged attackers
- More than 50 armed persons, according to Sanjay Das Burma
- Vehicle damage
- The BJD alleged stones were thrown at and damaged Balabantray’s vehicle
- BJD demands
- Arrests, an impartial probe, and strict action against those responsible
- Police action sought
- Transfer of the Jenapur police station officer