TNI Bureau: Odisha Pradesh Congress Committee (PCC) President Bhakta Charan Das visited Rakesh Behera, who is undergoing treatment at SCB Medical College and Hospital in Cuttack after allegedly being assaulted by Baranga police. Das also visited Rakesh’s family at Chandiprasad village and enquired about the incident.

Leading a high-level Congress delegation, the PCC chief first met the injured youth at the hospital and reviewed his health condition. He later travelled to Chandiprasad village, where he interacted with the family members and gathered details about the alleged police action.

Speaking to the media, Bhakta Das strongly criticised the state government, alleging that law and order machinery in Odisha has become ineffective. He claimed that the Home Department has failed to function efficiently and accused the government of lacking the political will to ensure accountability within the police force.

Referring to recent incidents of custodial violence and mob-related crimes, the Congress leader alleged that cases of police excesses were on the rise across the state. He described the alleged assault on Rakesh Behera as an example of police high-handedness and demanded immediate action against those responsible.

He also called for adequate compensation for the victim and urged the government to take steps to prevent such incidents in the future. He warned that the Congress would continue to raise its voice against alleged police brutality and would not remain silent on the issue.

Among those accompanying the PCC President were former MLA Dr. Debashish Pattnaik, Odisha Mahila Congress President Minakshi Bahinipati, Cuttack Rural City Congress District President Pradipta Kumar Das, Shantayan Mishra, Sevadal President Shubhendu Mohanty, Social Media Chairman Biswajit Mohanty, Protocol and Logistics Secretary Pradeep Mohapatra, Mahila Congress Vice-President Jayashree Pattnaik, Mahila Congress Media Chairperson Jayasmita Mohanty, and Congress leaders Rabindra Mallik and Biswajit Das, among others.