A potentially lethal situation unfolded near the camp office of Talcher MLA Braja Kishore Pradhan from the Biju Janata Dal (BJD) in Bharatpur, Odisha’s Angul district, as authorities discovered a timed explosive device. This alarming incident occurred on a fateful Friday, prompting a rapid response from local law enforcement.
Upon receiving a tip-off, the police swiftly mobilized their forces, establishing a secure perimeter around the area, and urgently called in the bomb disposal squad. According to Talcher’s sub-divisional police officer, Manas Ranjan Barik, the bomb disposal team successfully defused the explosive device under the careful guidance of the Angul superintendent of police. Notably, this bomb was equipped with a timer mechanism, heightening concerns about its potential destructive power. As part of the investigative process, the authorities have decided to send the disarmed bomb to a laboratory for a meticulous examination to ascertain whether any dangerous explosive materials were concealed within.
Concurrently, the police have launched a comprehensive search operation in the vicinity of Pradhan’s camp office, aiming to identify any additional threats or suspicious objects. Their investigation is also actively pursuing leads to apprehend the individuals responsible for this perilous act.
Remarkably, this unsettling incident unfolded against the backdrop of a road blockade organized by BJD leaders and workers from Angul district on National Highway 53. Their protest centered on the deplorable condition of the highway. Pradhan, along with his supporters, was slated to lead a rally from his office premises as part of this demonstration. The discovery of the timed bomb heightened tensions and raised suspicions, with Pradhan suggesting that malevolent actors may have strategically placed the explosive device to disrupt the peaceful protest rally.
The incident stands as a stark reminder of the need for vigilance and security measures in public spaces, particularly during times of political activism and civil demonstrations. Authorities are diligently working to uncover the motives behind this alarming discovery and bring those responsible to justice, ensuring the safety and security of the community remains paramount.
Prasanta Patnaik