Indefinite stir over torching of buses leaves commuters stranded

Bhubaneswar: Commuters had a harrowing time as private bus services to Puri, Konark, Nimapara and Astaranga from the twin cities were discontinued following an agitation by members of Bhubaneswar Bus Owners’ Association on Tuesday.
They were protesting against torching of three buses at Pipili following an accident, which claimed two lives, the previous day.
“Bus depots and terminals wore a deserted look since morning. I have been waiting for more than half an hour for an alternate mode of transport,” said a commuter waiting at the Puri bus stand.
Secretary of the association Barada Acharya said, “Adequate compensation should be provided to bus owners and operators, whose vehicles were set afire by locals. The government should direct the insurance company concerned to waive the installments. Police should also arrest those involved in the incident.”
A couple identified as Hadu Khan and Kuni Bibi was crushed to death under the wheels of a bus on Monday afternoon. Following the accident, irate locals staged a blockade on NH-203 and later torched three buses.