Samir Kumar Jena, an Indian Administrative Service (IAS) officer from the 2022 batch, has formally accused Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) legislator Saroj Kumar Padhi of misconduct in a police report filed in Ganjam district, Odisha. The complaint was submitted at the Aska police station following an alleged confrontation regarding the allocation of flood relief aid. Currently, Jena holds the position of Chief Development Officer and Executive Officer for the Ganjam Zilla Parishad.

The event in question reportedly occurred on November 3 at the Aska Notified Area Council office.

While Jena was engaged in discussions with the NAC chairperson about official duties, Padhi is said to have entered the office and initiated a dispute concerning the distribution of relief materials.

In his complaint, Jena stated that when he explained that the distribution was carried out following the directives of Steel and Mines Minister Bibhuti Bhushan Jena, Padhi allegedly responded with abusive language and threatened his life.

Jena has urged for strict legal measures against Padhi and has requested police protection for himself, citing mental distress from the incident, which he claims was recorded by CCTV cameras in the office.

This complaint arises amidst growing dissatisfaction among government officials in Ganjam regarding the treatment of senior officers engaged in relief efforts during Cyclone Arnab and the subsequent flooding.

Support for Jena has emerged from Odisha Administrative Service officials and other government employees, who have condemned the alleged behavior. A delegation representing various departments approached the district collector to demand action against Padhi and increased security for personnel involved in disaster response.

The district collector has assured that government officials are expected to fulfill their responsibilities under difficult circumstances and has committed to elevating the issue to higher state authorities.

In parallel, the opposition party, Biju Janata Dal (BJD), has also submitted a written complaint against Padhi at the Aska police station.

Gokulananda Mallik, the State Fisheries and Animal Resources Development Minister, described the incident as regrettable, noting that Padhi has expressed remorse. He also expressed hope for a peaceful resolution, stating that Chief Minister Mohan Charan Majhi is keeping a close watch on the unfolding situation.

In light of these events, the Executive Officer of Aska NAC was reassigned to Bhubaneswar on Wednesday.