The opposition BJD and Congress in Odisha have called for stringent action against Lalit Kumar, the son of Governor Raghubar Das, following allegations that he and five others assaulted a government officer at the Raj Bhavan in Puri.

Baikuntha Pradhan, an assistant section officer at the Raj Bhavan, claimed that he was assaulted by Kumar and his associates on July 7 while he was overseeing preparations for President Droupadi Murmu’s visit. The incident has sparked significant outrage among political circles and the public.

Pradhan’s wife, Sayoj, voiced her concerns, stating that she had met with Governor Raghubar Das, who assured her that justice would be served. The alleged assault has brought into question the conduct of high-profile individuals and their accountability.

Leaders from both the BJD and Congress have condemned the incident and are pressing for an impartial investigation to ensure that those responsible are held accountable, regardless of their connections or status.

“The law should be the same for everyone, and there must be no interference in the investigation,” said a BJD spokesperson. “We demand a thorough probe into the matter.”

Congress leaders echoed similar sentiments, urging the authorities to take swift and unbiased action. “No one is above the law, and such behavior cannot be tolerated,” stated a Congress representative.

The Raj Bhavan has yet to release an official statement regarding the incident, but sources indicate that the matter is being taken seriously, given the high-profile nature of those involved.

As the investigation unfolds, the public and political entities alike are closely monitoring the situation, demanding transparency and justice in this high-stakes case.