The Odisha police clashed with Congress workers on Thursday. The Congress workers were staging a protest against rising crimes against women under BJP rule marching towards the state assembly. The Congress workers protest was a part of a ‘Vidhan Sabha gherao’ programme. During which they attempted to march towards the state assembly but were met with lathi charges.
Tear gas, Water cannons used
The Odisha police used lathi charges, water cannons, and tear gas to stop the Congress workers as they attempted to break barricades. The protest was in response to rising crimes against women under BJP rule.
Several Injured in Confrontation
However, the protest soon turned violent when it reached near the lower PMG square in Bhubaneswar. According to reports both the Congress workers and police personnel sustained multiple injuries. Heavy police force was deployed in the area with over 80 platoons of police.
In addition a multi-level barricade system was set up around the state assembly. Reports also indicate that Congress activists pelted stones and chairs at the police personnel. Meanwhile, the police authorities accused the congress workers of trying to set a police vehicle on ablaze.
Several Leaders Detained
Amid the growing tensions and protests several Congress leaders were detained. The detained leaders include OPCC president Bhakta Charan Das, state-in-charge Ajay Kumar Lallu, MLA Tara Prasad Bahinipati and Mohammad Moquim. The police authorities were urging party members to carry out peaceful demonstrations however the situation turned violent. Das condemned the police’s use of force.
Statement from OPCC president Bhakta Charan Das
“We were staging peaceful protests and tried to march towards the assembly. But the police fired tear gas shells at our leaders and workers. Many sustained injuries. The government cannot silence us using police force. We will take this fight to the streets and every village. We will soon launch Nari Nyay Satyagraha throughout the state,” said Das.
He stated that many Congress workers were severely injured by the tear gas. However, he also vowed that the Congress party would continue to fight for women’s rights and dignity in Odisha. The Congress Party further announced several plans for a ‘Nari Nyay Satyagraha’ across the state of Odisha.
According to reports the protest was organized to demand the formation of a House Committee to investigate the alleged rise in crimes against women under the BJP government. Bhubaneswar DCP Jagmohan Meena said the situation is currently under control.
