BJP Leader Jagannath Pradhan Arrested Over Assault On Odisha IAS Officer

Last Updated:July 03, 2025, 23:54 IST

Jagannath Pradhan was arrested in connection with the alleged assault on an on-duty Odisha Administrative Service (OAS) officer last week, which sparked protests.

A group of young men physically assaulted Ratnakar Sahoo and forcefully dragged him out of his office. (Photo: News18)

Senior BJP leader Jagannath Pradhan was arrested by Bhubaneswar police on Thursday for allegedly assaulting a senior Odisha Administrative Service (OAS) officer.

Pradhan surrendered at the office of the Deputy Commissioner of Police (DCP) and was formally taken into custody after a medical examination.

His arrest was related to an incident last week in which Bhubaneswar Municipal Corporation (BMC) Additional Commissioner Ratnakar Sahoo was allegedly dragged out of his office and physically attacked by a group of individuals. The assailants are believed to be part of Pradhan’s staff.

So far, six people have been arrested in connection with the case, including Pradhan, according to a police official. The OAS Officers Association had launched a “mass leave" following the incident. After Pradhan’s arrest, the organisation called off the stir, saying it was satisfied with the arrest.

Bhubaneswar DCP Jagmohan Meena said Pradhan was arrested on the basis of an FIR, and statements of Sahoo and the accused persons. “I have come here to cooperate with the investigation. If my arrest can resolve the issue, I am ready to cooperate," Pradhan said.

The protesting officers had demanded the immediate arrest of all those involved in the attack, including Pradhan, who they allege was involved in planning the assault. They have also raised concerns over the safety of officers on duty.

Odisha Chief Minister Majhi had called for a high-level meeting to resolve the situation. The state government had urged the protesting officers to return to work, as continued disruption was affecting governance and public services across Odisha.

Earlier, Biju Janata Dal (BJD) chief and former Odisha Chief Minister Naveen Patnaik expressed his deep shock at the incident and condemned the brutal assault on the Additional Commissioner.

(with agency inputs)

Aveek Banerjee

Aveek Banerjee is a Senior Sub Editor at News18. Based in Noida with a Master's in Global Studies, Aveek has more than three years of experience in digital media and news curation, specialising in international...Read More

Aveek Banerjee is a Senior Sub Editor at News18. Based in Noida with a Master's in Global Studies, Aveek has more than three years of experience in digital media and news curation, specialising in international...

Read More

Location :

Bhubaneswar, India, India

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News india BJP Leader Jagannath Pradhan Arrested Over Assault On Odisha IAS Officer