Sambalpur and Bargarh police are in a Catch 22 situation now as a discrepancy marked in taking action against two leaders, one belonging to BJP and another to ruling BJD, for the same offence, sword wielding, during Hanuman Jayanti processions held at their respective places.
While Sambalpur police have already registered a case against former BJP MlA Jayanarayan Mishra for wielding sword, Bargarh police are yet to take action against local MlA Debesh Acharaya for the same offence. Both of them wielded swords during the Hanuman Jayanti celebrations at their respective towns.
An FIR has been lodged against Mishra on the advice of Sambalpur SP Akhilileswar Singh, according to sources.
MlA Acharya wielding a sword has been widely telecast in different TV channels. Hence, Acharya can’t deny having wielding a sword. But Bargarh police are yet to take against Acharya.
When Bargarh SP is on leave, his subordinates didn’t want to give their comments on the matter. “We have informed the matter to the seniors,” an officer said, adding, “The situation at Bargarh is totally different and the intention of Acharya is never like that of Mishra. While Mishra is a known communal activist, Acharya is did it just ritually.”