Bhubaneswar, July 12, 2026: The General Secretary of the Utkal Blind Association, Mr. Prashant Kumar Das, along with members of the Association who claim to have been subjected to harassment, addressed a press conference today at Tilottama Kalyan Mandap, Nandankanan, highlighting alleged illegal encroachment on government land allotted to the Association and raising concerns over the safety and rights of its members.
During the press conference, the Association alleged that valuable government land allotted to the Utkal Blind Association by the General Administration (GA) Department of the Government of Odisha has been illegally occupied by certain individuals. The Association further alleged that the Kalyan Mandap operating within the Association’s premises is being run under the ownership of contractor Rashmi Ranjan Sahu, and claimed that the Officer-in-Charge (OIC) of Kharvel Nagar Police Station has extended support to the contractor. The Association also alleged that intoxicating substances are being consumed during various events held at the Kalyan Mandap.
The Association further alleged that, despite the tenure of the duly elected office-bearers not having expired, an election was conducted under the supervision of Sukanti Das, Assistant Collector, Jagatsinghpur, and Dr. Prashant Bhuyan, Assistant Professor at Netaji Subhas Bose University. According to the Association, the election was irregular and unlawful, and members have demanded that it be declared null and void.
The Association stated that the General Administration Department has already issued a notice directing the immediate closure of the allegedly unauthorized Kalyan Mandap. Members demanded that all commercial activities being carried out at the venue be stopped and that the Kalyan Mandap be completely closed.
The Association emphasized that a residential school for visually impaired students is functioning on the premises, where approximately 150 to 200 visually impaired students are currently pursuing their education. It appealed to the Government to ensure that these students continue to receive all eligible government facilities and support without disruption.
The Association also alleged that its elected General Secretary, Mr. Prashant Kumar Das, and Office Secretary, Mr. Ajit Kumar Behera, were physically assaulted and forcibly removed from the Association’s office. It further claimed that important records and properties of the Association had been damaged and that members continue to face threats and intimidation. According to the Association, despite repeated complaints to the administrative authorities and police, no visible action has been taken, leading to widespread concern and dissatisfaction among the visually impaired community.
Key Demands of the Utkal Blind Association
- Immediate removal of all illegal encroachments from the Association’s premises.
- A fair, impartial, and time-bound investigation into all allegations.
- Strict legal action against those found responsible.
- Restoration of the rights of the duly elected office-bearers to discharge their responsibilities until completion of their lawful tenure.
- Protection of the safety, dignity, and rights of visually impaired persons and restoration of peace and normalcy within the Association.
- A Crime Branch investigation into the alleged roles of contractor Rashmi Ranjan Sahu, Kharvel Nagar Police Station’s the Officer-in-Charge (OIC) Rasmi Ranjan Sahoo, Sukanti Das, Assistant Collector, Jagatsinghpur, and Shri Prashant Bhuyan, Assistant Professor at Netaji Subhas Bose University.
The office-bearers of the Utkal Blind Association urged the Government of Odisha to intervene immediately and take necessary steps to resolve the matter permanently, safeguard the Association’s interests, and uphold the rights and welfare of the visually impaired community.
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