BJD MLA forces PWD engineer to publicly do sit-ups for poor road contruction

A video of newly elected BJD MLA from Odisha's Patnagarh, Saroj Kumar Meher, allegedly "forcing" a junior engineer of Public Works Department (PWD) department to do sit-ups in full public view for shoddy ro construction work in his constituency has gone viral on social media.

According to sources,  legislator visited Belpa block in Odhisha's Bolangir district on Wednesday, wherein locals complained of poor quality of Mandal-Belpa Bypass construction work. Following which, in purported video, which was trending on social media, Meher can be seen reprimanding engineer and asking him to do 100 sit-ups in middle of ro.

In response to which, encompassed by a huge crowd, junior engineer apologised for poorly constructed ro, however,  Patnagarh MLA was in mood to listen. BJD MLA allegedly threatened PWD engineer with "mob thrashing", following which government employee was seen doing sit-ups on ro.

WATCH: In A stalgic Video, Naveen Patnaik Sums Up His Journey Of 19 Years As Odisha CM As He Takes Oath For A Fifth Term

Speaking over incident District Collector Arindam Dakua told media that he has sought report from Prnagarh Sub-Collector and that action would be taken  on basis of that.

"I have sought a factual report from Patnagarh Sub-Collector on incident. Any action will be taken based on Sub-Collector's report," Dakua said.

Meanwhile, senior to harrassed engineer, executive engineer L N Mishra said bypass construction work was underway.

"We will look into complains and make rectifications if re is a concern over quality of construction," ded Meher.

While Meher was t immediately available for comment, both BJP and Congress criticised ruling party legislator for his action.

Re | Payal Tvi Death Case: Bombay High Court Allows Crime Branch To Quiz 3 Prime Accused For Four Days

"If it is true, n it can be said that MLA has taken law into his hands. I condemn his action," said Bolangir MLA Narasingha Mishra.

Senior BJP leer K V Singhdeo, who was defeated by Meher in just-concluded election, said, " incident proves kind of people BJD has chosen as its MLAs."

Meher, a first-time MLA, defeated Singhdeo by a margin of over 11,000 votes. 

(With PTI inputs)