In a shocking incident that has sparked outrage across Odisha, Additional Commissioner of the Bhubaneswar Municipal Corporation (BMC), Ratnakar Sahoo, was physically assaulted by a group of young men inside his office on Monday while he was conducting a public grievance hearing. Punches, slaps, kicks, and verbal abuse were unleashed on the senior officer, who was even dragged outside by the collar of his shirt in full view of stunned visitors and staff.

A video capturing the brazen attack has gone viral on social media, drawing widespread condemnation. As per initial information, around six unidentified young men barged into Sahoo’s chamber and launched the assault without warning. The exact reason for the attack is still unclear, though Sahoo told reporters, “The attackers are strangers to me. I will report this to higher authorities, and an FIR will be filed soon.”

Deputy Commissioner Ratnakar Sahoo further explained, “Grievance was ongoing as it was Monday. I was taking a review as the commissioner was absent. A corporator Jivan Babu and five or six others came to me. Then Jivan Babu asked me if I had misbehaved with Jaga Bhai. I denied it, but after that, they started manhandling me and tried to force me into a car. I do not know the others involved.”

In response, BMC employees staged a spontaneous protest inside the office premises, refusing to work for the rest of the day and demanding that those responsible be arrested immediately. They also pressed for tighter security for civic staff to prevent such brazen incidents in the future.

Senior officials from BMC and the Commissionerate Police rushed to the spot and promised a thorough investigation into the attack.

Former Chief Minister Naveen Patnaik expressed strong condemnation, posting on X, “I am utterly shocked seeing this video. Today, Shri Ratnakar Sahoo, OAS Additional Commissioner, BMC, a senior officer of the rank of Additional Secretary was dragged from his office and brutally kicked and assaulted in front of a BJP Corporator, allegedly linked to a defeated BJP MLA Candidate.”

He went on to question the breakdown of law and order under the new state government, adding, “If a senior officer is not safe in his own office, then what law and order will ordinary citizens expect from the Government?” Patnaik demanded that Chief Minister Mohan Charan Majhi act decisively and punish both the attackers and those who may have conspired to orchestrate the assault.