Bhubaneswar: Over 50 Injured in Clash During Congress Demonstration
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Synopsis
In Bhubaneswar, over 50 individuals, including police officers, were injured during a clash between Congress supporters and security forces at a women's safety protest rally. Tensions escalated as police intervened to prevent protestors from marching towards the Odisha Assembly, leading to violence and injuries on both sides.
Key Takeaways
- Over 50 people injured in a protest clash.
- Police used water cannons and tear gas.
- Violence erupted when Congress supporters were stopped.
- Congress leaders claimed police brutality.
- Media personnel also sustained injuries.
Bhubaneswar, March 27 (NationPress) More than 50 individuals, including several police personnel, were injured as tensions escalated between Congress supporters and law enforcement during a protest rally focused on women's safety on Thursday.
A confrontation erupted when police halted Congress activists attempting to march towards the Odisha Assembly to gherao it, protesting the increasing incidents of crime against women in the state.
In response to provocation, some protestors threw stones and chairs at the police, who then employed cane-charge to disperse the crowd.
The police also utilized water cannons and tear gas to clear out Congress supporters in the PMG area.
This zone briefly transformed into a battleground.
Congress leaders accused the police of violently attacking their workers, resulting in severe injuries to heads, limbs, and other parts of the body.
“The police conducted a brutal assault under the orders of the state government. We were peacefully rallying to Gherao the Assembly, but the police attacked us. Approximately 40 to 50 Congress workers, including women, suffered serious injuries due to the police's actions,” stated Congress MLA Ramesh Jena to IANS.
He mentioned that the injured party members are receiving treatment at both private and public hospitals, and many are currently in police custody. Reports indicate that around 15 police officers also incurred injuries.
Commissioner of Police Suresh Dev Datta Singh and other senior officials visited the injured officers at the hospital.
Addressing the media, Commissioner Singh asserted that it was the police's responsibility to protect the assembly building and other constitutional entities during the political demonstration on Wednesday.
“Some individuals became unruly, prompting police to use water cannons and tear gas. A few protestors engaged in violent behaviors, such as stone pelting and attempting to ignite a vehicle. The police employed force judiciously and with restraint. Strict measures will be taken against those involved in violent actions based on CCTV evidence,” Singh stated.
Several media personnel were also injured while covering the protest rally.
It is important to note that since March 7, during the second phase of the Assembly session, opposition Congress members have been protesting, demanding the establishment of a house committee to investigate the purported rise in atrocities against women in the state.
