Odisha in Administrative Chaos: OAS, ORS Officers Go on Mass Leave Protesting Brutal Assault on BMC Official

Bhubaneswar: In a powerful show of solidarity, the Odisha Administrative Service (OAS) and Odisha Revenue Service (ORS) officers across all districts have gone mass leave, bringing the state’s administrative machinery to a standstill.

The strike is in response to the brutal assault on Bhubaneswar Municipal Corporation (BMC) Additional Commissioner Ratnakar Sahoo, which has ignited outrage among bureaucrats.

The Odisha Administrative Service Association (OASA), in a critical meeting on Tuesday, resolved to continue the strike until the prime accused, Jagannath Pradhan is arrested under non-bailable charges.

The association has demanded stringent action against all perpetrators and concrete measures to ensure the safety and dignity of officers at their workplaces. They have vowed to persist with the protest until their demands are visibly met.

Despite assurances from Chief Minister Mohan Majhi during discussions with the OASA, the officers proceeded with the statewide mass leave, signaling deep mistrust in the government’s response.

Meanwhile, the Commissionerate Police have arrested two additional individuals linked to the attack, bringing the total to five.

The assault on Sahoo, dragged and beaten within the BMC office premises, has sparked widespread anger among administrative officers, raising serious concerns about workplace security, political interference, and the effectiveness of law enforcement.

The ongoing strike threatens to disrupt essential public services, with the public questioning how ordinary citizens can feel safe when senior officials face such brazen attacks in the state capital.