Bhubaneswar: Public transport services were severely affected in Odisha on Thursday as the opposition Congress launched a statewide dawn-to-dusk bandh over the death of a female student of Fakir Mohan (Autonomous) College by self-immolation, allegedly due to sexual harassment by her department HoD.
Amid the disruptions in services, heart-wrenching scenes unfolded at Balasore bus stand as a critically-ill patient and her relative, unaware of a 12-hour bandh, were left stranded after traveling from Angul for urgent medical care. Arriving early in the morning, they found public transport paralysed and the bus stand deserted, leaving them in tears and helpless. The patient’s attendant was seen pleading for assistance near the terminal entrance, shaken by the unexpected protests. Locals came to her rescue and provided food and water as well as arranged for a 108 ambulance to rush the patient to a hospital.
Meanwhile, at Pahala, police helped a female patient, travelling from Nuapada’s Khariar to SCB Medical College and Hospital in Cuttack, board an ambulance. Her health deteriorated as she was travelling in a bus, which was stopped by the protesters. The traffic congestion also hampered movement of ambulances. Following which, her family members pleaded with police for help. Sub-inspector of police (SI) Smruti Ranjan Mohanty picked the woman, who was unable to stand, from the bus and helped her cross the road. She was then put on a stretcher and taken to the ambulance parked on a service road.
Twin City Commissioner of Police S Dev Datta Singh has appreciated the SI for his effort.
Also Read: Odisha Bandh Over FM Student Death: Shops Closed, Rail Tracks Blocked, Vehicles Stranded On Highways
Vehicular movement on several National Highways was affected as Opposition party workers created roadblocks. Substantial traffic congestion was seen on the Chennai-Kolkata Highway, with numerous vehicles stranded.
In Bhubaneswar, Congress workers blocked NH-16 near Vani Vihar, exacerbating traffic issues. Protesters were also seen burning tyres on Acharya Vihar Road and urging people to cooperate at Master Canteen Square. Roadblocks were also put up at Khandagiri, Jayadev Vihar, and CRP Square.
Commuters were stranded in Bhubaneswar and Cuttack with bus services suspended early in the day. Autos and taxis were also stopped at several points, causing inconvenience. People were seen walking with luggage in search of transport amidst delays and confusion over alternative arrangements. Government-run buses operated sporadically but mostly stayed off the roads.
There were minor scuffles as security forces stopped Congress workers as they attempted to storm the railway station in the state capital.
Though no major violence was reported till noon, the bandh had a widespread impact across both urban and rural parts of the state.
Police have put up adequate security measures to manage crowds and protect essential infrastructure. More than 200 platoons of forces have been deployed in sensitive areas across the state to maintain law and order.