Odisha Officials Protest Assault with Mass Leave and Cease-Work Actions

In the wake of the attack on BMC additional commissioner Ratnakar Sahoo, OAS and ORS officers in eight Odisha districts have decided to go on indefinite mass leave. The affected areas are Cuttack, Mayurbhanj, Jagatsinghpur, Bhadrak, Rayagada, Balangir, Sonepur, and Ganjam. The decision came after the OAS Association expressed concerns over the lack of visible action despite government assurances. Cuttack ADM Shiba Toppo highlighted the need for guaranteed safety and exemplary action. BMC staff also joined the protest, ceasing work and staging a day-long demonstration demanding immediate justice. Authorities have arrested three individuals, including a BJP corporator, while the state BJP president has suspended five party members implicated in the incident. The Chief Minister had previously met with the association to address the situation and pledge strict action against the perpetrators.