A group of miscreants

A group of miscreants holding BJP flags barged into the residential premises here of a senior official in Odisha Chief Minister Naveen Patnaik's office today and indulged in vandalism.
The miscreants stormed into the compound of the official quarters of V K Pandian, private secretary to the chief minister, and allegedly ransacked some flower pots, police said.
The attackers also hurled cow dung at the main gate accusing the official of working for the ruling BJD and interfering in political affairs.
A staff at the residence claimed that the attackers, who described themselves as BJP activists and carried party flags and placards, also assaulted him besides damaging flower pots and some vehicles parked inside the compound.

While the IAS officer was not immediately available for comment, Commissioner of Police Y B Khurania said that attack on the house of a public servant is a very serious matter and must be condemned.
Stating that the police has taken a serious view of the incident, Khurania said "lawlessness cannot be tolerated at any cost and stern action will be taken against those involved in the incident."

While police action has already been launched and around some persons arrested so far, efforts are on to take more people into custody, he said. Investigation into the incident was in progress.

Condemning the incident, BJD spokesperson and MP Pratap Deb said attack on the house of a public servant was unfortunate and it exposed the real mindset of BJP leaders.
Stating that such violent acts and intolerance are unacceptable in democracy, Deb said action would be taken as per law and those involved in the incident would be arrested.
BJP state unit Vice President, Sameer Mohanty said it is not proper on the part of a government official to be active in political matters and work for the ruling party.
It may be noted that several politicians, including some in the ruling BJD, have recently targeted the officer accusing him of interfering in party affairs.