A shocking incident of alleged assault on a government officer has come to light from Odisha's Kendrapara district. A woman Block Development Officer (BDO) was reportedly attacked inside her office chamber by a local Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) leader and his supporters.
Incident Inside the BDO's Office Chamber
The event unfolded on Friday, January 4, 2026, at the Rajnagar Block Development Office. According to officials, the officer, Tilottama Prusty of the Odisha Administrative Service, was confronted by a group led by BJP figure Lalit Kumar Behera. Behera, who had contested the Rajnagar Assembly seat unsuccessfully on a BJP ticket in the 2024 elections, barged into her chamber with his workers.
The group allegedly pressured Prusty to carry out certain tasks. When the officer stood her ground and stated she would adhere to official government guidelines, the BJP leader became enraged. In a fit of anger, Behera is accused of attempting to assault the BDO with a laptop. The situation was brought under control only when his own supporters and other government officials present at the scene intervened and restrained him. Fortunately, Officer Tilottama Prusty escaped the incident physically unhurt.
CCTV Footage and Official Response
The entire altercation was captured by closed-circuit television (CCTV) cameras installed inside the BDO's office chamber, providing visual evidence of the event. Following the attack, the woman officer reported the matter to the Kendrapara District Collector, Raghuram Iyer.
As of now, a formal police complaint has not been lodged. When contacted about the incident, Collector Raghuram Iyer confirmed that an official inquiry has been initiated. He stated that a sub-collector has been assigned to conduct a thorough probe into the allegations against the BJP leader and the events that transpired in the government office.
Political Repercussions and Safety Concerns
This incident raises serious questions about the safety of public servants, particularly women officers, while performing their duties. The alleged attack for "not following instructions" highlights the pressures and intimidation government officials can sometimes face from local political figures.
The probe ordered by the district administration will be crucial in determining the exact sequence of events and ensuring accountability. The presence of CCTV footage is expected to play a pivotal role in the investigation. The outcome is awaited as it will signal how the administration handles attempts to obstruct or intimidate its officers.
