Odisha BJP writes to Amit Shah seeking NIA probe into Sambalpur violence

“Happening just days after the Union Home Ministry flagged concerns, urging states to be vigilant and ready, the strife during the celebrations was unacceptable. The procession in Sambalpur was attacked at the same place where it was attacked during the last Hanuman Jayanti. Police were aware of sensitivity and chose not to act appropriately,” said the BJP leaders in the letter.

The saffron party also stated that the violence and arson in Sambalpur has exposed the poor intelligence network of Odisha police and its lack of foresight in ascertaining the consequences of inadequate security arrangements.

Alleging that the communal clashes in Sambalpur resulted out of orchestrated violent attacks on Hanuman Jayanti bike rally by members of a certain community, the BJP alleged that these attacks were “pre-planned and organised”.

The crime in Sambalpur needs to be dealt with strict laws like Unlawful Activities (Prevention) Act (UAPA) and National Security Act, the party said.

The party also accused the police of arresting innocent members of the Hanuman Jayanti procession who are themselves victims of these attacks and said the conspirators seem to have the backing of the ruling party of Odisha.

Raking up the issue of illegal Bangladeshi immigrants in Sambalpur, who have occupied government land without permission, the BJP said that the administration has ignored their anti-national activities, such as building huge structures on government land and acquiring illegal weapons. There have been reports of illicit trade of firearms and weapons in the area, the party said.
A BJP delegation was detained by the police on April 18 when they were going to Sambalpur to take stock of the situation.