BJD leader Pritiranjan Gharai seeks ECI probe into alleged police raid at his home
Pritiranjan Gharai, a senior Biju Janata Dal (BJD) leader, has asked the Election Commission of India (ECI) to launch a quick, independent probe into an illegal police raid on his rented home in Nuapada district. The letter, sent on Nov. 5, comes just weeks before the BJD plans to field Gharai in the Nuapada by‑poll scheduled for Nov. 11.
The raid happened on Oct. 31 while Gharai was campaigning in the Mota Nuapada Gram Panchayat. Police officers, according to Gharai, entered his Khariar Road residence at about 13:22 p.m. without a search warrant, a proper authorisation or a court order. He says the caretaker had told the officers he would return for lunch, yet they forced their way in and smashed personal property and party‑campaign materials.
Gharai charges that the police misuse of authority violates the Model Code of Conduct, which demands neutrality during elections. He insists the act also breaches his constitutional rights under Articles 14, 19 and 21, and that it spreads fear among BJD supporters. He called the intrusion “undemocratic” and “barbaric.”
The ECI now faces pressure to act quickly. The BJD, with Gharai as its star campaigner, says any failure to stop the alleged wrongdoing could jeopardise the fairness of the upcoming Nuapada by‑election. The party is urging authorities to protect political activists from intimidation.
The incident has sparked a broader discussion about police conduct during election periods. Observers say that transparent investigations and strict enforcement of electoral rules are essential to keep the vote free and fair for all candidates in the region.
Source: ianslive
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