Deogarh: Tension prevailed in Odisha’s Deogarh on Wednesday as a bandh called by the Zilla Mahila Ekata Mancha in the district turned violent when the protesters allegedly attacked the sub-collector’s vehicle.
The protesters are demanding round-the-clock healthcare services at the old district hospital.
In their bid to enforce the shutdown, the agitators blocked National Highway 49 near Ambedkar Chhak in the morning, disru
pting vehicular movement. Police rushed to the spot and removed the protesters from the highway. However, some protesters again blocked the highway, prompting the police to intervene for a second time and detain several agitators, sources said.
It was alleged that some protesters attacked the vehicle of the Deogarh sub-collector. Following the incident, the area witnessed tension for some time. Police detained those involved in the attack.
Normalcy in vehicular movement was restored after police intervention. Shops and business establishments across Deogarh town remained closed in view of the bandh.
Furthermore, protesters warned that they would intensify their agitation if the demand for 24-hour healthcare services was ignored. In response, police strengthened their presence in sensitive areas to prevent further unrest.