BHUBANESWAR (Sunday, March 29, 2026) — A team of police officers from Kalahandi district visited the official Bhubaneswar residence of Manorama Mohanty, the sitting Biju Janata Dal (BJD) MLA from Narla, in connection with a criminal case registered against her husband, Durga Prasad Mohanty. The husband, who also serves as the Narla Block Chairperson, is accused of issuing death threats to a government official.
Background of the Case
The investigation stems from a formal complaint filed earlier this month by Bibhu Prasad Singh, the Tehsildar of Narla.
- The Incident: On March 15, 2026, Durga Prasad Mohanty allegedly used abusive language and issued a death threat to the Tehsildar during an official phone conversation while the officer was performing his duties.
- The Charges: An FIR was subsequently registered at the Narla Police Station under several sections of the Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita (BNS), including:
- Section 296: Obscene acts and songs (using abusive language).
- Section 221: Obstructing a public servant in discharge of public functions.
- Section 351(2) & 351(3): Criminal intimidation and threatening to cause death or grievous hurt.
Sunday’s Police Action
The Kalahandi police team, supported by local personnel from Bhubaneswar, arrived at the MLA’s quarters around 8:30 AM on Sunday.
- Serving Notice: The Kalahandi Superintendent of Police clarified that the visit was primarily intended to serve a legal notice, as the accused has reportedly been “absconding” since the case was registered.
- Outcome: Neither the MLA nor her husband was present at the residence during the visit. Police conducted a brief search and examined some documents before leaving.
- Prior Attempts: Sources indicate that police had previously traced Mohanty to a hotel in the state capital, but he reportedly managed to evade capture with the assistance of supporters.
[Image: Map of Odisha showing the distance between Narla (Kalahandi) and Bhubaneswar (the capital where the MLA resides)]
Political Fallout: “Vendetta” Allegations
The BJD leadership has reacted strongly to the police visit, framing it as an act of political intimidation by the ruling BJP.
| Party | Stance | Key Argument |
| BJD | Political Vendetta | Biju Yuva Janata Dal (BYJD) president Chinmaya Sahu alleged that the raid was retaliation because Manorama Mohanty did not cross-vote for the BJP candidate in the recent Rajya Sabha elections. |
| Police | Routine Procedure | Officials maintain the investigation is strictly administrative, following a direct complaint from a state government official (Tehsildar). |
Sources
- Odisha TV (OTV): “Narla BJD MLA’s husband accused of issuing death threats to Tehsildar, FIR lodged” (March 29, 2026).
- Press Trust of India (PTI): “Police visit BJD MLA’s residence in connection with case registered against husband” (March 29, 2026).
- Pragativadi: “Narla MLA’s Husband Faces Probe After Death Threat Allegation” (March 29, 2026).
- Odisha Bytes: “Police Visit Odisha MLA’s Bhubaneswar Residence In Probe Against Husband” (March 29, 2026).
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