Bandh Observed In Odisha’s Balangir Against Rise In Crime Against Women

Balangir: Normal life was affected in Odisha’s Balangir town during a dawn-to-dusk shutdown called by a women’s organisation protesting alleged spurt in atrocities against women and police inaction.

Shops, business establishments, educational institutions and offices remained closed during the 12-hour bandh called by Western Odisha Women’s Organisation demanding concrete steps to curb crimes against women.

Vehicular movement was also disrupted in different parts of the town as the supporters of the bandh held picketing and blocked roads in several areas.

The protesters alleged that the state government and police have failed to ensure safety and security of women. Perpetrators of crime against women have also been allowed to go scot free because of police inaction, they alleged.

Alleging that minor dalit girl was gang raped and murdered way back in May 2015 in Balangir district, the protesters said the state machinery is yet to bring the culprits to book till date. They demanded a CBI probe into the incident.

The city Congress Committee and other organisations have extended their support for the strike.