Jagatsinghpur, Jul 17: The statewide bandh called by Congress and allied opposition parties in Odisha took a violent turn in several regions, with disturbing incidents reported from Jagatsinghpur, Bhubaneswar, and other key transit points.

In Jagatsinghpur, a group of Congress workers allegedly assaulted a youth following a heated argument.

Despite police intervention, the attackers reportedly continued their assault, disregarding law enforcement efforts. Eyewitnesses described scenes of chaos and aggression, with the youth being dragged and beaten in full public view.

Some protesters reportedly blocked the passage of a cancer patient who had traveled from another state for treatment in Bhubaneswar. Despite pleas for compassion, the patient was not allowed to proceed, raising serious questions about the protest’s impact on essential services.

In yet another incident, at Master Canteen Square, Congress workers allegedly stopped a passenger bus, seized its keys, and left it stranded in the middle of the road.

The act of alleged hooliganism was also reported in Bagadia Bazaar after Congress’ Chhendipada MLA candidate allegedly damaged the windshield and wiper of a government-run ‘Mukhyamantri’ bus.

The bandh was organised in response to the tragic death of a student from Fakir Mohan Autonomous College in Balasore, who succumbed to burn injuries after allegedly facing sexual harassment and administrative neglect.

While the protest aimed to demand justice, the violent conduct and disruption of emergency services have drawn widespread criticism.

Authorities have deployed over 200 platoons of police across the state, with drone surveillance and AI-enabled cameras monitoring sensitive zones.

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