The Leader of the Opposition in the Odisha Assembly, Naveen Patnaik, expressed deep anguish over the recent killing of a youth from a minority community in Balasore district. Patnaik conveyed his concerns during a meeting with senior party leaders at Naveen Niwas. A delegation of Biju Janata Dal (BJD) leaders visited Balasore following his instructions to investigate the incident.
Senior BJD leader Sanjay Das Burma stated that the killing of Seikh Makarand Muhamad was unprecedented in Odisha’s history. He highlighted the deteriorating law-and-order situation in the state and the increase in attacks on minorities. The BJD condemned the incident and initiated a high-level probe led by MP Sulata Deo and other party officials.
The Odisha Pradesh Congress Committee (OPCC) president, Bhakta Charan Das, criticized the state government for the rise in atrocities against minorities, Dalits, and tribals. The family of the deceased alleged that he was attacked by cow vigilantes, leading to his tragic death. The incident has sparked outrage and calls for justice in Balasore.
