Khurda, July 9, (Newshub desk)BJP leader and former legislator Jagannath Pradhan was granted bail on Wednesday by the Khurda District Sessions Court in connection with the alleged assault on Bhubaneswar Municipal Corporation (BMC) Additional Commissioner Ratnakar Sahoo.
The decision follows a turbulent week marked by administrative protests and political friction across Odisha.
Pradhan, arrested on June 29, had been lodged in Jharpada Special Jail after his initial bail plea was denied by the Sub-Divisional Judicial Magistrate (SDJM) Court.
His legal team approached the Sessions Court, which approved the bail following a review of the case diary and arguments presented by both prosecution and defence.
The incident drew widespread condemnation from the Odisha Administrative Service (OAS) Association, which launched statewide protests demanding justice and enhanced security measures for field officers.
The association emphasised the growing concerns around bureaucratic safety amidst alleged political interference.
The BJP, however, labelled the allegations as politically motivated, calling for an impartial investigation and claiming the narrative was being skewed for electoral advantage.
With Pradhan’s release, attention now shifts to the progress of the investigation and its possible implications for Odisha’s evolving political landscape, especially in the run-up to key local elections.
