PRESS RELEASE : Strong Condemnation of Assault on Shri Ratnakar Sahoo, Public Servant

Strong Condemnation of Assault on Shri Ratnakar Sahoo, Public Servant

We strongly condemn the brutal and humiliating assault on Shri Ratnakar Sahoo, Additional Commissioner, BMC, a dedicated officer who was performing his official duties when he was manhandled and forcibly dragged in full public view. This outrageous act is not only a grave personal violation but a direct attack on the dignity of public service and the authority of the State.

Such incidents are deeply alarming and set a dangerous precedent. If allowed to go unchecked, they threaten to erode the very foundations of rule of law and governance, creating conditions akin to anarchy. The brazenness of the attack suggests that the perpetrators acted with a sense of impunity, possibly emboldened by political patronage. This raises serious concerns about the protection of honest officers and the independence of public institutions.

We call upon the law enforcement agencies to take swift and exemplary action against the culprits. The response must be firm and visible, so that it acts as a deterrent to those who believe they can intimidate or assault government officials without consequence.

We stand in solidarity with Shri Sahoo and all officers who continue to uphold their duties in challenging conditions. The integrity of governance must be safeguarded, and those who seek to undermine it through violence or coercion must be dealt with under the strictest provisions of law.

Issued by:

IAS Association, Odisha

& OAS Association

Dear Colleagues,

On behalf of the IAS Association, I have spoken to the Chief Secretary Sir, Development Commissioner Madam, DGP Sir, and HUDD Minister regarding the unfortunate incident. I have also discussed the matter with the OAS Association and shared the draft condemnation statement with them for a joint release.

We stand by every word in the draft and believe it reflects the seriousness of the situation.

Kind regards,

Usha Padhee

Hon'ble Chief Minister met the association members for almost an hour at 11 PM today along with the CS, DGP, CP and the AG in attendance and assured us that the culprits and the perpetrators behind the scene, however powerful may be, shall be strictly punished as per stringent provisions of Law. Already 3 accused have been arrested and a hunt is on to nab the others. He also requested to not proceed on leave or take any such measures and appealed to hv faith in him.

Hence in reverence to the HCM 's appeal, the mass leave tomorrow is not called off rather is hereby postponed. However the state association requests all districts associations and members of the fraternity shall meet tomorrow and condemn the incident along with sending a copy of the resolution to the state association. Further course of action shall be intimated by the State Association.

It is requested that all members of our fraternity to keep their morale high. The state association stands by each member like a rock and is ensuring all possible remedies that no such acts shall ever happen.

All other associations including the IAS/OFS/OSS associations and others has plegded their support to our cause.

United we stand🙏

Regards

President and Secretary, OASA