Daijiworld Media Network - Bhubaneswar
Bhubaneswar, Mar 27: More than 50 people, including police officials, were injured in violent clashes between Congress supporters and security forces during a protest rally on Thursday over rising crimes against women in Odisha.
Tensions escalated when Congress workers, marching towards the Odisha Assembly to stage a demonstration, were stopped by the police. The situation quickly turned hostile as protesters attempted to breach security barricades, leading to stone-pelting and chair-throwing by some agitators. In response, police resorted to lathi-charge, tear gas, and water cannons to disperse the demonstrators.
For a brief period, the PMG area turned into a battleground, with police and protesters engaged in a face-off. The Congress party later alleged that security forces brutally assaulted their workers, causing serious injuries, including head wounds and limb fractures.
"We were conducting a peaceful protest when police, acting on government orders, resorted to excessive force. Over 40 to 50 of our workers, including women, suffered serious injuries," said Congress MLA Ramesh Jena, adding that the injured were receiving treatment in private and government hospitals. Several Congress members were also reportedly detained.
Meanwhile, 15 police personnel were also injured in the confrontation. Commissioner of Police Suresh Dev Datta Singh visited the hospital to meet the injured officers. Addressing the media, Singh defended the police action, stating, "Our priority was to safeguard the Assembly and constitutional institutions. When some protesters turned violent, throwing stones and attempting to set a vehicle on fire, we acted with restraint using minimal force." He added that CCTV footage would be examined, and strict action would be taken against those involved in violence.
The protest comes amid ongoing demands from Congress legislators for a House Committee to investigate the alleged surge in crimes against women in Odisha. Since March 7, opposition members have been staging demonstrations inside and outside the Assembly, amplifying pressure on the state government over the issue.
Adding to the chaos, several media personnel covering the rally also sustained injuries, highlighting the intensity of the clashes.
The violence marks a significant escalation in political tensions in Odisha, with Congress vowing to continue its agitation against the government’s alleged failure in ensuring women’s safety.