BJD suspends three party workers after backlash for draping Pulwama martyr's coffin in party flag

Amid backlash, the Biju Janata Dal (BJD) suspended three members, Binod Kumar Majhi, Santosh Kumar Sahu and Govardhan Das of Cuttack district on Friday after an enquiry was launched into the incident of placing the party flag on martyr Ajit Kumar Sahoo's coffin. 

"BJD has inquired into the incident. On the basis of this, Binod Kr Majhi, Santosh Kr Sahu & Govardhan Das have been placed under suspension from the party," said press release from BJD General Secretary BK Nayak.

Naik Ajit Kumar Sahoo lost his life in Pulwama Improvised explosive device (IED) blast. 

"Biju Janta Dal has enormous respect for martyrs. The matter that has come to our notice is extremely unfortunate and we strongly condemn it. Party will find out who is responsible for this and take action against them," the party told news agency ANI issuing a clarification in the matter. 

The photograph was taken on Thursday and it surfaced on social media on Friday. Visuals showed the body of the jawan wrapped in the BJD party flag bearing the party's conch symbol being lowered out of an ambulance with garlands laid on the martyr.

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Condemning the incident, BJD spokesperson Sasmit Patra said it is "unfortunate". 

"Our party has a lot of respect for the martyrs and we condemn the incident. Stringent action will be taken against those who are involved in this episode," he said. 

Ajit Kumar Sahoo, a jawan of the 44 Rashtriya Rifles (RR) hailed from Dhenkanal district in Odisha. Naik Ajit Kumar Sahoo, alongside Havildar Amarjeet Singh, had sustained injuries in an IED blast in Arihal village of Pulwama district.

They were provided with immediate first aid and evacuated to 92 Base Hospital but, unfortunately, succumbed to their injuries. The mortal remains of the martyrs were flown from Pulwama for the last rites to their native places, where they would be laid to rest with full military honours.

READ | Pulwama Martyr’s Coffin Wrapped In BJD Flag, BJP Demands An Unconditional Apology From Naveen Patnaik

(with agency inputs)