Bhubaneswar: In a shocking incident that has triggered outrage across Odisha, Additional Commissioner of the Bhubaneswar Municipal Corporation (BMC), Ratnakar Sahoo, was violently attacked inside his office by a group of unidentified youths. The assault, captured on video and widely shared on social media, shows Sahoo being verbally abused, slapped, punched, and dragged by the collar out of his chamber.
The brazen attack occurred on Monday during a routine public grievance hearing. Six assailants reportedly barged into Sahoo’s office and began the assault without provocation, leaving onlookers stunned. The motive behind the attack remains unknown, and authorities have yet to identify the perpetrators.
“I don’t know who these men are,” Sahoo told reporters. “The attackers are strangers to me. I will report this to the higher authorities, and an FIR will be lodged soon.”
Recounting the moments before the incident, Sahoo said, “Grievance was ongoing as it was Monday. I was taking a review as the commissioner was absent. A corporator Jivan Babu and some five to six members came to me. Then Jivan Babu started asking, ‘Have you misbehaved with Jaga Bhai?’ Then I said no, I have not done any misbehavior. After this, they started manhandling me and tried to escort me into a car. I don’t know the exact cause of the assault. I don’t know the others who have attacked me.”
In response to the incident, civic body employees staged a spontaneous protest at the BMC premises, demanding immediate arrests and enhanced security for municipal staff. Operations at the office were halted for the rest of the day as the agitated employees sat in protest.
Senior officials from both the BMC and Commissionerate Police visited the site, assuring staff of a thorough investigation and necessary action.
Former Odisha Chief Minister Naveen Patnaik strongly condemned the incident, describing it as a complete breakdown of law and order. In a post on X, he said, “I am utterly shocked seeing this video. Today, Shri Ratnakar Sahoo, OAS Additional Commissioner, BMC, a senior officer of the rank of Additional Secretary was dragged from his office and brutally kicked and assaulted in front of a BJP Corporator, allegedly linked to a defeated BJP MLA Candidate.”
Patnaik called the attack during official public duty “appalling” and demanded swift and decisive action.
“I ask @MohanMOdisha Ji to take immediate and exemplary action against not only those who perpetrated but more importantly the political leaders who orchestrated and conspired this shameful attack. The people named by the officer in his FIR have behaved like criminals. If a senior officer is not safe in his own office, then what law and order will ordinary citizens expect from the Government,” he wrote.
He concluded by warning the state’s current leadership of public backlash if the assailants are not held accountable: “The Chief Minister has to set an example by ensuring strict punishment for the perpetrators or the people of Odisha will not forgive this.”
As investigations continue, public anger is mounting, with calls for justice and stricter safeguards for government officials performing their duties.