Odisha: ASO, Who Was Assaulted by Governor’s Son, Transferred

Bhubaneswar: Baikuntha Pradhan, an Assistant Section Officer who was allegedly assaulted by Odisha Governor Raghubar Das’s son Lalit Kumar, was transferred by the State Government.

“Baikuntha Pradhan, Assistant Section Officer, Parliamentary Affairs Department, at present deployed to the Governor’ Secretariat, is hereby transferred and posted as such to Home Department against the existing vacancy with immediate effect”, according to an order issued by the Home Department.

Earlier, Pradhan, who working at the Governor’s House in Bhubaneswar for the last three years, alleged that he was assaulted by Kumar at the Puri Raj Bhawan on July 7 during the visit of President Droupadi Murmu.

In his complaint to the Secretary to the Governor, Pradhan alleged that Kumar attacked him on July 7 night while he was on duty.

“On 7th July night at around 11.45 P.M while I was sitting in the office room, personal cook of Odisha Governor Aakash Singh came to my office and told me that Lalit Kumar wanted to meet him at Suite No-4. When I went there, Lalit Kumar started slapping me and used abusive language. Feeling helpless, I started running out of the room and hid behind the Annexe building. However, the two PSOs (personal security officers) of Lalit Kumar found me and dragged me to Room No. 4 through the lift. Security Personnel and others present there have witnessed this incident. They again started slapping, blowing punches on my face, kicking every part of my body and twisted my left ankle,” said Pradhan in his complaint.

The opposition parties have strongly condemned the incident and demanded justice for the victim.

The Biju Janata Dal questioned the government’s silence on incident.

“Everyone is waiting for justice from the Chief Minister. Being in the Opposition party, we demand justice for the state government employee. It is very unfortunate and highly condemnable, the BJD said while urging the CM to act on it.

The Congress workers also took to the street and staged protests in front of the Raj Bhawan in Bhubaneswar demanding strict action against the culprits.