BJD leader Pranab Balabantray attacked in Odisha’s Jajpur

Biju Janata Dal (BJD) leader and former MLA Pranab Balabantray and his supporters were allegedly attacked by a group of 40 to 50 armed individuals in Odisha’s Jajpur district on Sunday. The incident occurred around 3 PM during the party’s Jan Sampark Padayatra at Madhupurgada Gram Panchayat.

According to reports, the attackers used swords, axes, and other dangerous weapons, resulting in damage to three vehicles, including Balabantray’s car. Balabantray has filed a formal complaint with the Jajpur Superintendent of Police, requesting the registration of an FIR and a time-bound investigation.

Balabantray alleged that the attackers were supporters and associates of MLA Himanshu Sekhar Sahoo and members of the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP). He has called for the preservation of CCTV footage and mobile videos as evidence, an inquiry into the response of police officers present at the scene, and requested personal protection due to safety concerns for himself and his witnesses.