“Odisha Raj Bhavan Employee’s Wife Reassured of Justice After Meeting Governor”

“Baikuntha Pradhan, a Raj Bhavan employee, has claimed that he was assaulted by Lalit Kumar, son of Governor Raghubar Das, along with six others on the night of July 7.”

In Puri, Odisha, days after an alleged assault on a Raj Bhavan employee by Governor Raghubar Das’s son, Lalit Kumar, the Governor has acknowledged the incident and promised justice for the victim and his family.

Baikuntha Pradhan, the Raj Bhavan employee, accused Lalit Kumar and six others of assaulting him on the night of July 7. Following the incident, Mr. Pradhan and his wife, Sayoj, met with Governor Das on Friday to discuss the matter.

Governor Das assured the family that strict action would be taken against those responsible. Sayoj, speaking to ANI on Saturday, expressed gratitude for the Governor’s assurance of justice. “Everyone knows what happened on July 7. The Governor called us, we met him, and he assured us justice would prevail. He assured us that we are part of their family,” she said.

Earlier, a complaint was filed at the Sea Beach Police Station in Puri regarding the incident. Mr. Pradhan also wrote a letter to the Governor detailing the alleged assault. “I, Baikuntha Pradhan, Assistant Section Officer, Parliamentary Affairs Department, deployed at the Governor’s Household, want to bring to your attention the unfortunate and life-threatening incident involving Mr. Lalit Kumar, son of the Honourable Governor of Odisha, and six others on the night of July 7, 2024, at Raj Bhavan, Puri,” the letter stated.

Pradhan further claimed in his letter that Lalit Kumar had previously threatened him, stating, “Mr. Lalit Kumar repeatedly threatened that if they decided to kill me, no one could save me, not even the Comptroller.”

Demanding justice, Pradhan concluded, “Given these circumstances, I earnestly request you to ensure justice and hold the perpetrators accountable for the physical harm, severe humiliation, and loss of human dignity I endured. I would be deeply grateful for your intervention.”