Odisha Bandh: Tight Security In State Capital; Ruchika’s Mother, Activists Held

Bhubaneswar: Security has been tightened at government offices in the state capital in view of the Odisha bandh call given by the student wing of Naba Nirman Krushak Sanghathan (NNKS) over alleged police inaction in the death of a Plus III, first-year student of Buxi Jagabandhu Bidyadhar Autonomous College (BJB) in Bhubaneswar.

According to reports, Ruchika Mohanty’s mother and NNKS activists were arrested on Tuesday morning while demonstrating in front of Secretary (5T) V K Pandian’s house here.

The outfit has called a peaceful Odisha bandh from 6 am to 6 pm demanding justice for Ruchika, who allegedly died by suicide. A note found by police pointed to ragging by seniors but no names were mentioned.

Earlier, in view of the bandh call, the state government asked its employees to reach office by 9.30 am.

There is tight security at Lok Seva Bhawan, Kharavela Bhawan, Rajiv Bhawan and other government buildings amid apprehension that protestors may stop vehicular traffic, rail traffic and close down business establishments and picket government offices, banks and educational institutions.

The front gates of Lok Seva Bhawan will be closed at 10.15 am on Tuesday and all movement will be regulated through the rear gate. The connecting gate between the Red Building and Main Lok Seva Bhawan building will remain open.

Checking of identity cards and passes of employees and visitors has been intensified. Travelling in a vehicle having car pass will not be permitted without valid authority for entry.