Bhubaneswar: Several people, including police officers and journalists, were injured Thursday as the Odisha Congress party protested against violence outside the state assembly. In an attempt to draw attention to the increasing incitement of violence against women and children, it witnessed dramatic scenes where congressional workers clashed with police.
Hundreds of Congress activists led by Odisha Congress Committee (OPCC) President Bhakta Charan Das violated multiple roadblocks in Lower PMG Square in Bhubaneswar. The situation quickly escalated into a fierce battle that prompted police to resort to Rashi charges and tear gas.
A TV reporter, OTV’s Prabhat Bisoi, suffered serious injuries after being hit on the head by a chair thrown by a squirter. The bloody Bisoi was taken to the Capital Hospital for immediate medical care. Several other journalists and camera personnel were also reportedly injured or damaged the equipment in the chaos.
According to Jagmohan Meena, deputy chief of the Bhubaneswar police station (DCP), at least 15 police officers were injured, four of them were injured. “While Article 163 of Bharatiya Nyay Sanhita provides for a prohibition order, protesters have tried to force them into parliamentary venues,” Menna said. Other commissioners of police officer Narasingha Bhol confirmed that police forces were forced to take action when the situation was out of control.
The Congress party earlier announced plans to capture the convention during the ongoing budget meeting, accusing the state government of increased crimes against women and children. The party also started overnight sit-ins protests from Tuesday, eventually reaching the final protest during Thursday’s demonstrations.
Tensions peaked after speeches by senior congressional leaders, and then a portion of the crowd was unruly. The protesters reportedly threw stones, eggs and chairs at security personnel, prompting police responses.
Later, police detained several senior congressional leaders including OPCC Chairman Bhakta Charan Das, All-India Congress Committee (AICC) Odisha (AICC) Odisha (AICC) to control the situation.
Despite the chaos, Congress workers remained rebellious, and party sources indicated that protests would continue until their demands for strengthening women’s safety measures.
