Puri – In a startling development, Baikuntha Pradhan, 47, an Assistant Section Officer in the Household Section of the Governor’s Secretariat at Raj Bhavan, has accused Lalit Kumar Das, son of Odisha Governor Raghubar Das, of assault. The alleged incident occurred on the night of July 7 at the Raj Bhavan premises in Puri, sparking controversy and calls for legal action.
According to Pradhan, the assault stemmed from a dispute over transportation arrangements. He was overseeing preparations for an impending visit by President Droupadi Murmu when the altercation took place. Pradhan claims that after attempting to avoid confrontation by fleeing the room and hiding behind an annexe, he was forcibly brought back by Kumar’s security personnel, using a lift.
Details of the Incident
“Security personnel and bystanders witnessed the incident. They slapped, punched, and kicked me, targeting my face and body. They also twisted my left ankle,” Pradhan alleged. “Throughout the ordeal, Kumar threatened that if they killed me, no one could save me.”
Pradhan reported the incident verbally to the Governor’s principal secretary on July 8 and followed up with a written complaint on July 10. His wife, Sayoj Pradhan, also demanded legal action during a media interaction in Bhubaneshwar.
Wife’s Plea and Police Complaint
Speaking to reporters, Sayoj Pradhan expressed her frustration with the police response. She claimed that when she tried to file a complaint at the Sea Beach Police Station on July 11, it was not accepted, forcing her to mail the complaint instead. “My husband was deployed for the President’s duty, not to serve the Governor’s son,” Sayoj said, adding that Pradhan was admitted to Puri district headquarters hospital on Thursday.
Lack of Official Confirmation
As of now, there has been no official confirmation or response from either the Raj Bhavan or the police regarding the incident. The allegations have, however, drawn significant media attention and raised questions about the conduct of high-profile individuals and their security personnel.
The incident has underscored the importance of addressing issues of misconduct and ensuring accountability, regardless of an individual’s status or connections.
For more updates on this developing story, stay tuned to Sarhind Times.
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