Cases Filed Against 5,000 Congress Workers over Bhubaneswar Protest Violence

Bhubaneswar : The Commissionerate Police has registered cases against approximately 5,000 Congress leaders and workers in connection with the violent scuffle that broke out during the protest rally organized by the Odisha Pradesh Congress Committee (OPCC) on March 27 near Gandhi Marg in the Lower PMG area of Bhubaneswar. The FIR names several prominent Congress leaders, including OPCC President Bhakta Charan Das, MLAs Tara Prasad Bahinipati, Ramesh Chandra Jena, Rama Chandra Kadam, Pabitra Saunta, Sagar Charan Das, Prafulla Chandra Pradhan, Mangu Khila, CS Raazen Ekka, as well as former MLAs Md Mokim and Suresh Chandra Routray. The rally was part of a Congress-led protest to gherao the Odisha Legislative Assembly, raising concerns over the alleged rise in atrocities against women under BJP rule in the state. Bhubaneswar DCP Jagmohan Meena has confirmed that three individuals have been arrested so far. He stated that further action would be taken against those found involved in the violence, based on the ongoing investigation. According to the FIR, thousands of Congress members arrived at Gandhi Marg from various parts of the city. During a public meeting at Mahatma Gandhi Marg, Congress leaders allegedly made anti-government and inflammatory speeches. Police claim that these speeches provoked the crowd, leading to aggressive attempts to breach the police cordon and march towards the Assembly. Protesters reportedly hurled eggs, stones, tomatoes, and plastic chairs at police personnel. Officials stated that police initially issued warnings, asking the protesters to maintain peace. When the crowd failed to comply, water cannons and tear gas were used to disperse them.

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