Political news: Bhubaneswar, (Reporterspen), Nov 14: In a major setback for veteran BJP leader and Odisha MLA Jayanarayan Mishra, the Supreme Court on Thursday dismissed his anticipatory bail application in connection with a case involving the alleged assault of a woman police officer. The case stems from an incident in 2023, where Mishra is accused of slapping Dhanupali police station IIC Anitarani Pradhan during a protest in Sambalpur.
A bench of Justices Hrishikesh Roy and SVN Bhatti rejected Mishra’s bail application, stating that individuals in leadership positions must set an example for public behavior. The incident occurred on February 15, 2023, when BJP members staged a sit-in protest near the Sambalpur Collectorate over the deteriorating law and order situation.
As the protesters attempted to march toward the Collector’s office, they were stopped by police, leading to a scuffle. Mishra was allegedly seen threatening the woman IIC and physically manhandling her, which escalated tensions. Videos of the altercation circulated later, though Mishra denied the accusations and claimed the woman officer had assaulted him.
The Orissa High Court had previously denied Mishra anticipatory bail in November 2023, prompting him to seek relief from the Supreme Court.
