Mass Leave by OAS Officers in Odisha Districts Amid Assault Protests; BMC Staff Halt Work

Following the attack on BMC additional commissioner Ratnakar Sahoo, OAS and ORS officers in eight Odisha districts have declared an indefinite mass leave. The districts involved are Cuttack, Mayurbhanj, Jagatsinghpur, Bhadrak, Rayagada, Balangir, Sonepur, and Ganjam. This action follows a meeting where officers expressed dissatisfaction with the slow progress of the government’s promised action. Cuttack ADM Shiba Toppo emphasized the need for concrete steps and safety guarantees. BMC employees also protested by ceasing work and holding a day-long dharna, seeking immediate justice for the assault. Three arrests have been made, including a BJP corporator, and five BJP members have been suspended by the party president due to their alleged involvement. The CM had assured strict punishment for those involved, during a meeting with the OAS Association.