Traffic Violation Checking Triggers Mob Violence In Bhubaneswar

Bhubaneswar: Tension ran high in the city after police resorted to lathi-charge to disperse a mob on Saturday afternoon.

According to reports, trouble erupted during the checking of vehicles by transport officials and Motor Vehicle Inspector near Raj Mahal Square. Some locals noticed that police let off three vehicles — a Mo Bus, a police vehicle and a Bhubaneswar Municipal Corporation (BMC) vehicle.

The locals sought an explanation as to how the Mo Bus was let off without a fine as the bus was overloaded and the driver was driving without putting on the seat belt. They also asked the drivers of the other two vehicles to show the relevant documents. When the drivers refused to do so, the irate locals detained the vehicles. In the melee, the Mo Bus driver managed to escape.

A police team rushed to the spot and resorted to lathi-charge to disperse the angry locals. Vehicular traffic in the area was disrupted for more than an hour following the incident.

Talking to the media, a local alleged that while transport officials and police were collecting hefty fines from private vehicles, they were letting off government vehicles that did not have the relevant documents.

Later, Police Commissioner Sudhanshu Sarangi and DCP Anup Sahu reached the spot and pacified the people.

Sarangi explained that penalty was imposed if a person was found driving under the influence of alcohol, riding a two-wheeler without a helmet or was carrying more than one pillion rider.

“At present, we are not checking the insurance and pollution certificates. We are in talks with the commerce and transport department in this regard,” he added.

Till reports last came in, additional police force was deployed in the area to maintain law and order.