Bhubaneswar, Jul 17: Amidst the statewide bandh called by eight political parties, including Congress, in protest over the FM College case, normal life across Odisha was severely disrupted, with road blockades and halted public transport affecting thousands.

Among those impacted was a female patient traveling from Khariar to SCB Medical College and Hospital, Cuttack, who found herself stranded due to a National Highway (NH) blockade.

The patient was aboard Sarala Bus when the vehicle was forced to stop near Pahala, unable to proceed further due to the bandh-induced obstruction. With her health condition requiring urgent medical attention, the situation quickly escalated into a medical emergency.

In a swift and compassionate response, Sub-Inspector Smruti Ranjan Mohanty of Pahala Police Station stepped in. Recognizing the urgency, SI Mohanty promptly arranged for an ambulance and ensured the patient’s safe transportation to SCB Medical, Cuttack.

Despite the challenges posed by the bandh, including traffic paralysis and limited mobility, the officer’s decisive action ensured that the patient received timely care. His intervention was widely praised by onlookers and fellow passengers.

The Odisha Police Department acknowledged the effort, reinforcing its commitment to public welfare even during politically charged disruptions. The incident serves as a powerful reminder of how frontline officers can make a life-saving difference through empathy and quick thinking.

As tensions around the FM College case continue to unfold, stories like these offer a glimpse of hope and humanity amidst the chaos.

Notably, on July 17, as Odisha witnessed a statewide bandh called by eight opposition parties protesting the tragic death of a student from Fakir Mohan Autonomous College in Balasore, normal life came to a standstill. The bandh led to widespread road blockades, suspended transport services, and closed institutions across the state.

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