Case Filed Against MLA’s Husband Over Death Threat Allegation
Bhubaneswar: Police in Odisha’s Kalahandi district have registered a case against Durga Prasad Mahanty, husband of Narla MLA Manorama Mohanty, for allegedly making death threats against a government official. An investigation has been launched to track down and apprehend the person.
According to official sources, the case was registered at Narla police station on the written complaint of Narla Tehsildar Bibhuti Prasad Singh. In his complaint, Singh alleged that Mahanty called him on March 15 and threatened to kill him and used abusive language during a heated exchange regarding the ongoing land dispute between Balisinga and Salepada revenue villages.
Based on the complaint, the police registered a case under several sections of the Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita (BNS), including Sections 296, 221, 224, 351(2) and 351(3). Kesinga Sub-Divisional Police Officer (SDPO) Sandeep Majhi confirmed that the investigation is ongoing.
Over the last four days, Kalahandi police conducted raids at several places, including Rupra Road, a farmhouse and the MLA’s residence in Bhubaneswar, in an attempt to nab Mahanty. Sources said the man narrowly escaped during a police raid on a hotel on Saturday.
The incident sparked political controversy with Biju Janata Dal (BJD) leaders claiming that the case was politically motivated. Party members, including youth and student wing leaders, staged protests and gathered at the MLA’s Bhubaneswar residence, questioning the legality of police entering the premises without permission.
The BJD also alleged that MLA Manorama Mohanty was pressured to vote in favor of the BJP during the Rajya Sabha elections and that the case against her husband was an act of retaliation for Mohanty’s rejection.
Protests were also held at Gandhi Chowk in Bhawanipatna by BJD youth, student and women wings condemning the police action.
Attempts to get a reaction from the MLA, her husband and SDPO Majhi were unsuccessful. Meanwhile, the complainant Tehsildar has been on leave since March 16 and could not be reached for comment. A senior district police officer, speaking on condition of anonymity, said the official did not cooperate with the investigation after he lodged a complaint.
The situation remains tense due to political tension in the region.
