Tensions flared in the Rajnagar area of Kendrapada district on Saturday following a disturbing incident earlier in the week. Local Block Development Officer (BDO) Tilottama Prusti was allegedly subjected to abuse and confrontation inside her own office, triggering widespread protests and a political blame game.
Alleged Confrontation Inside BDO Office
According to sources, the core incident unfolded on Friday. A group of approximately 30 BJP supporters, led by Lalit Kumar Behera, entered the BDO's office. Behera had contested unsuccessfully from the Rajnagar assembly constituency in the last election. The group reportedly pressured BDO Prusti to clear certain pending bills and sanction additional development works.
The situation escalated when Prusti declined to approve works she deemed irregular, leading to a heated argument. Critical CCTV footage from the office allegedly shows Behera picking up a laptop from the BDO's desk and making a motion to throw it. Office staff intervened promptly, preventing any physical assault from occurring.
Political Fallout and Street Protests
The news of the incident sparked immediate backlash. On Saturday, a large number of supporters from the ruling Biju Janata Dal (BJD) blocked the main road in Rajnagar for nearly four hours. They later staged a dharna in front of the panchayat samiti office, demanding strict legal action against the accused.
Rajnagar BJD MLA Dhruba Sahoo strongly condemned the alleged misconduct, criticising BJP members. He claimed a rise in unlawful activities in the district and accused the BJP of "patronising unscrupulous elements" and influencing police inaction.
Contradictory Claims and Police Investigation
When contacted, the main accused, Lalit Kumar Behera, denied assaulting the BDO. He stated the group visited the office only to urge Prusti to speed up development works. "It is the BDO's responsibility to approve works below Rs 20 lakh without waiting for the chairperson's approval, but files are moving at a snail's pace," Behera said. "In a moment of anger, I lifted the laptop, but I did not attack her."
BDO Tilottama Prusti and Kendrapada Collector Raghuram R Iyer declined to comment on the matter. However, police action is underway. ASP Sudhakar Sahoo confirmed that senior officers visited Rajnagar on Saturday to investigate. "We have seized CCTV footage from the BDO's office. All accused will be arrested soon," he stated.
Reacting to the controversy, BJP MLA Durga Prasan Nayak from Mahakalapada said, "Law will take its own course. Our party is not shielding any miscreants." Meanwhile, BJD spokesperson Lenin Mohanty took to social media platform X, writing, "The brutal attack on a woman BDO in Rajnagar by BJP leaders and workers is a reflection of the condition of women in the state."
