Demanding arrest of BJP national vice-president Baijayant Panda in connection with the alleged Sarua land scam, over a hundred women under the banner of the Dalit and Adivasi Mahila Manch hit the streets here on Sunday.
Holding banner and placards and shouting slogans against Panda, the women staged the protest at Master Canteen Square.
They alleged that Panda has exploited Dalit and Adivasi people and acquired their lands unlawfully. “Baijayant Panda has grabbed the lands belonging to Scheduled Caste persons at Sarua village in Khordha district in a fraudulent manner,” claimed a protestor.
Panda should be arrested immediately so that the tribal people get justice, she added.Notably, the Economic Offences Wing (EOW) of the Crime Branch has arrested Manoranjan Sarangi, Chief Financial Officer (CFO) of OTV and Director of Panda-owned Odisha Infratech Private Limited in connection with the land scam. Following the arrest, Sarangi resigned from both the posts.