Jajpur, Odisha : A case has been registered against former Odisha Minister and senior Biju Janata Dal (BJD) leader Pritiranjan Ghadai along with 20 others at the Kalinganagar Police Station for allegedly inciting public unrest and disrupting law and order.
According to sources, the case was filed following a road blockade staged near Khurunti Chhak under Kalinganagar police limits. The agitation was triggered by the recent death of a factory worker in a road accident involving an unidentified bus. Another worker was critically injured in the incident. Both victims were en route to work at a private industrial unit in the region.
Demanding compensation for the deceased worker’s family, a group of agitators allegedly blocked the Jajpur Road–Duburi highway, creating serious traffic disruption. Former Sukinda MLA Pritiranjan Ghadai was reportedly present during the protest and actively participated in the blockade.
Based on a written complaint by Kalinganagar IIC Prakash Kumar Sahu, police registered an FIR under multiple sections of the Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita (BNS), including charges of inciting riots, threatening government officials, obstructing public servants, damaging property, and promoting enmity.
Besides Ghadai, the FIR names Manoranjan Haibru, Tuku Sahu, Sudam Pahi, Sagar Dhir, Jatia Patra, and Minja Patra among others. Charges have been filed under BNS Sections 191(2), 221, 285, 126(2), 49, 296, 351, 351(3), 115(2), 326(F), and 190.
Police allege that the accused not only blocked the road but also used abusive language against officials, threatened to torch government vehicles, and provoked people to disturb the peace.
The incident highlights rising tensions in Odisha’s industrial zones where issues related to workers’ safety and compensation remain pressing concerns. Further investigation is underway.
