Bhubaneswar: Hours after several BJD leaders were injured during massive protest over death of FM College student by self-immolation, party president and former chief minister Naveen Patnaik on Wednesday condemned the use of ‘heavy-handed tactics’ by police and Odisha government to sabotage the ‘peaceful’ march.
“The right to democratic protest is under grave threat in Odisha. Today, the BJD exercised its constitutional right to hold a peaceful demonstration, protesting the tragic death of a 20-year-old girl student–a victim of systemic apathy and sheer betrayal. As BJD leaders marched in a disciplined manner towards Lok Seva Bhawan, the police unhesitatingly used water cannons to disperse the peaceful crowd. Shockingly, they even fired rubber bullets without any provocation,” he wrote on X.
Naveen accused the police of acting in a blatantly partisan manner, who he alleged rushed to fire rubber bullets when there was absolutely no justification for such excessive force. “Just a few days ago, a senior IPS officer was caught on camera near the Chief Minister’s residence instructing his force to break the legs of protesters and promising awards to those who achieved this feat. Today, the legs of two ex-ministers have been broken, probably needing surgery,” he said.
Also Read: Pranab Das & Pritiranjan Injured During Protest In Bhubaneswar Over FM College Tragedy
The former CM further alleged that senior leaders of BJD, a woman Rajya Sabha member, and several party workers have been brutally hit by the police. “Clearly, the government owes an explanation for this kind of a direction,” he wrote.
Naveen asserted that the BJD will continue its relentless fight undeterred, until justice is served for the FM College girl student. “Neither water cannons nor rubber bullets can weaken our resolve. Let it be clear: no force can stifle our commitment to stand up for justice and uphold the democratic rights of the people of Odisha,” he added.
Also Read: FM College Tragedy: Congress Seeks Resignation Of ‘Inexperienced’ CM, President’s Rule In Odisha
The Commissionerate Police, however, have denied use of “rubber bullets” against the BJD protesters. “Tear gas and water cannons were used only after hundreds of protesters broke through two layers of barricades erected on Mahatma Gandhi Marg to prevent them from marching towards the restricted area near the Assembly,” said Bhubaneswar DCP Jagmohan Meena.
At least seven security personnel sustained injuries while attempting to control the protestors, he added.
Over 200 protestors were taken into preventive custody, but let them off later in the day, sources said.
A day ahead of BJD’s protest, the Home Department had instructed all Lok Seva Bhawan employees to arrive by 9.30 am, after which the main gate was closed. Security was heightened at Lok Seva Bhawan, Kharvel Bhawan, Rajiv Bhawan, and other locations.