BJD and Congress Demand Action Over Assault Allegations Against Odisha Governor's Son

Opposition parties BJD and Congress have called for action against Lalit Kumar, son of Odisha Governor Raghubar Das, over accusations of assaulting an official at Puri Raj Bhavan on July 7. Despite demands and protests, no action has been taken, allegedly due to his connection with the Governor.

Opposition parties BJD and Congress are pressing for action against Lalit Kumar, the son of Odisha Governor Raghubar Das, amid allegations that he physically assaulted an official at Puri Raj Bhavan on July 7.

Addressing the media, BJD leader Lekhasri Samantsinghar claimed that Kumar assaulted and mentally harassed an assistant section officer (ASO) of Raj Bhavan during President Droupadi Murmu’s visit to Puri.

'The victim has been seeking justice for days, but no action has been taken against those responsible for the assault,' she accused, suggesting the lack of police intervention was due to Kumar's high-profile connection.

Congress supporters, including student and youth wing members, held demonstrations outside Raj Bhavan, calling for Kumar's immediate arrest.

State Congress president Sarat Pattanayak questioned Chief Minister Mohan Charan Majhi's inaction, given his oversight of the Home portfolio.

Senior Congress leader Taraprasad Bahinipati stressed that the assault of an official could not be tolerated.

Neither Kumar nor the Governor’s secretariat has commented on the allegations.

The ASO, Baikuntha Pradhan, alleged that Kumar and his associates attacked him on the night of July 7 while he was supervising the President's visit. On Monday, the state government reassigned Pradhan to the Home Department.