The alleged incident occurred while Odisha Assembly Leader Jaynarayan Mishra was leading a rally of BJP workers protesting the state’s deteriorating law and order situation.
Jaynarayan Mishra, the leader of the opposition in the Odisha Assembly and a senior Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) leader, has been charged with insulting the modesty of a female police inspector and obstructing her from performing her duties following a scuffle between them on Wednesday.
Mishra is accused of assaulting woman police inspector in charge (IIC) Anita Pradhan of Dhanupali police station in Sambalpur district on Wednesday while leading a rally of party workers protesting the state’s deteriorating law and order situation in the aftermath of the murder of health minister Naba Kishore Das last month.
Mishra and other BJP workers were stopped by police while attempting to gherao the collector’s office, and Mishra is accused of slapping the inspector.
According to the inspector, she was attempting to move aside when a group of BJP male workers advanced towards the collector’s office. “I was confronted by the MLA, who asked for my credentials. He then began hurling insults at me, to which I objected. “I was taken aback when the MLA slapped and pushed me,” said Pradhan, who filed a complaint under Indian Penal Code Sections 354, 353, 332, 294 and 500.
Mishra, on the other hand, claimed that the police were mistreating female BJP members and that when he went to the police to inquire about the matter, the IIC stamped on his feet and shoved him. “When I told the inspector that she is the same person involved in corruption, she pushed me again. “If a police inspector can push the leader of the opposition, then the police department’s high-handedness is easily discernible,” he said.
Mishra stated that the BJP workers were there to protest the deterioration of law and order. “This incident clearly indicates the prevailing atmosphere in the state. “I suspect she acted at the request of someone,” he claimed. Sambalpur Superintendent of Police (SP) Battula Gangadhar stated that he has requested a report on the incident, based on which an investigation will be conducted and appropriate action will be taken.
Biju Janata Dal (BJD) spokesperson Shreemayee Mishra demanded his removal from the post of leader of the Opposition in the Odisha Assembly ahead of the Budget session, claiming Mishra is a habitual offender with 14 cases, including murder, against him, for which he has also been jailed. “He has a history of threatening and assaulting people. He assaulted an on-duty police officer again today. The video of this shocking assault is available for public viewing. The BJP should immediately remove him from the position of Opposition Leader. Also, the Odisha BJP and the MLA should apologise to the state’s 4.5 crore people, particularly women,” she said.
Prasanta Patnaik 
amfnews