Biju Janata Dal (BJD) MP Sulata Deo has alleged receiving rape and death threats from an individual named Satyabrata Nayak, whom she claims is associated with the Mahindra Group’s Nashik office and is also a BJP supporter. The threats were allegedly made in reaction to her public remarks on the viral video of a young burn victim from Puri, Odisha.

Screenshots of the abusive messages were shared by Deo on social media platform X, where she tagged Prime Minister Narendra Modi, Amit Shah, Odisha Chief Minister Naveen Patnaik, and Anand Mahindra, drawing national attention to the matter. In her post, she wrote, “Dear PMO India, a worker of the Mahindra company, Nasik as well as a BJP worker, openly threatens a woman MP to rape and kill. If this is the situation, imagine what happens to the unprivileged women of Odisha!”

Sulata Deo Slams Police for Ignoring Threats

Deo further criticised the response of law enforcement in a Facebook post, alleging that no meaningful steps had been taken by the authorities despite the seriousness of the threats. She claimed senior police officials had shown indifference, effectively turning “a blind eye” to the situation.

The controversy stems from Deo’s criticism of the BJP-led Odisha government following the circulation of a video in which the Puri girl, who later died of burn injuries, was seen speaking before her death. Deo had questioned how such a sensitive clip was leaked and demanded accountability.

Following her complaint, the Mahindra Group issued an official statement acknowledging the situation and distancing itself from the alleged actions of its employee. The company emphasised that any such behavior is entirely contrary to its values.

“We have been made aware of certain undignified and highly inappropriate messages allegedly made by one of our employees towards a political leader on Facebook. The Mahindra Group has always enshrined the importance of human dignity from its very foundation and believes in upholding an environment of respect, with no tolerance for any breaches of these principles.”

Mahindra Launches Probe, Promises Action

The statement also confirmed that a thorough probe had begun, “We take this matter with utmost seriousness and have initiated an immediate investigation. Should the allegations be validated, strict action will be taken in accordance with our code of conduct and values.”

Deo welcomed the company’s response and described it as “reassuring”, but emphasised that she intends to bring the issue up during the ongoing Monsoon Session of Parliament. She stated, “I will not remain silent and fight to the core against this type of mindset against women and children. Waiting for the law agencies to take suo moto cognisance of the said matter.”

The incident has sparked a wave of political condemnation. Several opposition leaders and Members of Parliament expressed solidarity with Deo and demanded strict legal action.

TMC MP Sagarika Ghose commented, “Utterly shocking and unacceptable. Hatred and violence against women is now rampant across our society. India is back-peddling on gender justice.”

Priyanka Chaturvedi Condemns Threat, Urges Centre to Act

Shiv Sena (UBT) MP Priyanka Chaturvedi said, “This is extremely shameful and I condemn this threat as a fellow colleague of Smt Sulata Deo.” She also urged the central government to take swift action.

Adding to the voices of support, BJD MP Sasmit Patra stated, “A vile threat to my colleague, a woman MP, is an attack on the dignity of every woman and every representative of democracy. If an elected MP is unsafe, imagine the plight of ordinary women. Authorities must act immediately—justice and safety cannot be compromised.”

The accused, Satyabrata Nayak, has been identified through his Facebook profile, which lists his employer as Mahindra Group, Nashik, and his affiliation with the BJP. As of now, there has been no public statement from Nayak.

The case has reignited conversations about online safety, political accountability, and the treatment of women in public life, particularly when even elected officials face such threats with little immediate protection.