Hometown attributes IG Panda’s antics to stress

While the controversy surrounding UP IG (Rules and Manuals) Devendra Panda, who has transformed himself into ‘Radha’ and attends o...

While the controversy surrounding UP IG (Rules and Manuals) Devendra Panda, who has transformed himself into ‘Radha’ and attends office in salwar-kameez, has left people of his native Sambalpur confused, his contemporaries say Panda could be a victim of stress and marital discord out to seek solace in spiritualism.

Panda’s friends here blame media for maligning his image. His contemporary Dr Biranchi Narayan Panda said the officer is a “sensitive person”.

Panda’s uncle Sudhansu Tripathy said he was normal and in touch with his family members. Tripathy said Panda was drawn towards spiritualism in 1991. Four years ago when he last came to Sambalpur, he began introducing himself as Krishna Das, he added.

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Has Panda taken to spiritualism to relieve stress? A Krishna devotees said it was likely but added ‘‘it’s not a healthy spiritual attitude.’’

It could be that Panda, who seems to be confused, wants to express his devotion in the form of Radharani, he said.

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