Ex-OSAP constable stages ‘tower protest’ in Dhenkanal over job reinstatement demand

A former constable of the Odisha Special Armed Police (OSAP) climbed atop a mobile tower near Dhenkanal Town police station on Saturday. He demanded reinstatement in service and financial assistance for his mother’s treatment. The youth has been identified as Rudra Narayan Das of Sogar village under Kamakhyanagar police station limits in Dhenkanal district. Reappointment Demand Raised According to reports, Rudra Narayan Das was appointed as a constable in the Dhenkanal OSAP First Battalion in 2018. He alleged that he was later removed from service after suffering from health-related issues the same year. Rudra claimed that after recovering, he repeatedly approached senior police officials and the state government seeking reappointment, but no action was taken. He had also reportedly raised the issue during the previous government and later at the Chief Minister’s grievance cell after the formation of the new government in Odisha. He further alleged that his mother is suffering from cancer and demanded that the government bear the expenses for her treatment. Rescue Efforts Underway Reports stated that Rudra climbed the mobile tower carrying a jerrycan containing a flammable substance and allegedly threatened to set himself on fire if his demands were not fulfilled. After receiving information, personnel from Dhenkanal Town police station and Fire Services reached the spot and initiated counselling efforts. Also Read: Man climbs 33 KV electric pole in Cuttack, rescued At the time of reporting, fire service personnel were laying safety nets around the area, while Rudra allegedly threatened to jump from the tower during the rescue operation.