JAJPUR,13/04(PPT);Tension flared up in Aruha village of Jajpur district on Sunday after the vehicle of former Dharmasala MLA and BJD leader Pranab Balabantaray was allegedly attacked by unidentified miscreants. Balabantaray was reportedly en route to participate in a religious event at the site of the Hingula Yajna when the incident occurred. It is said the sudden assault triggered chaos, drawing a crowd and causing panic in the locality. While the exact identity of the attackers and the motive behind the act remain unknown, speculation is rife that the incident may have political undertones.In the last election, Himanshu Sekhar Sahoo as an independent candidate had been elected from Dharamshala by defeating BJD candidate Pranab Balabantray. Balabantray alleged that at the behest of Himanshu Sekhar Sahoo the Independent MLA of Dharmasala, some miscreants attacked him . It was a planned attack . Attackers also damaged his four-wheeler. He was saved by some locals. ‘ We will not lodge any complaint in this case as we have lost our faith in the police in Jajpur district. Police should take suo moto legal action against the attackers after examining video footage on the incident, added Balabantray. We will arrest all the accused persons soon in this case. Two platoon police forces have been deployed. Security has been tightened in the area to check law and order situation, said the IIC of Dharmasala police station, Nirupama Jena. It may be mentioned that on 20 November 2024 Dharmasala MLA Himanshu Sekhar Sahoo was attacked and his car was vandalized by a group of miscreants near Budha bridge in Jajpur district. Previously, Balabantary’s vehicle was also attacked in Jajpur in October 2024.
Former Dharmasala MLA and BJD leader Pranab Balabantray attacked – tension.
