Former Odisha MLA Pranab Balabantaray’s Vehicle Attacked in Jajpur

Jajpur: Tension flared in Aruha locality of Dharmasala tehsil, Jajpur district, after unidentified miscreants allegedly attacked the vehicle of former Odisha MLA Pranab Kumar Balabantaray on Saturday.

The incident occurred while the former Dharmasala legislator was on his way to attend a religious ceremony dedicated to Maa Hingula. He was travelling in his SUV when a group of attackers, reportedly armed with sticks and sharp weapons, intercepted and vandalized his vehicle.

According to allegations, the attack was carried out at the behest of Independent MLA Himanshu Sahoo. However, no official confirmation has been made by the authorities regarding the motive or direct involvement.

Pranab Balabantaray, a senior Biju Janata Dal (BJD) leader and current in-charge of the party’s Youth and Student Wings, is the son of late Kalpataru Das, a prominent BJD figure. He had represented the Dharmasala Assembly Constituency in the Odisha Legislative Assembly twice, winning in both 2014 and 2019 elections.

Local police are investigating the matter, and further details are awaited. The incident has sparked political tension in the region ahead of the upcoming polls.