Bhubaneswar, July 17: The statewide bandh called by the Congress party demanding justice for the deceased Balasore FM College student took a violent turn across Odisha on Thursday.

From Bhubaneswar to Jagatsinghpur, and from Angul to Koraput and Jajpur, Congress leaders and workers were accused of engaging in vandalism, public disruption, and aggressive behavior.

In Bhubaneswar, protesters blocked roads and harassed commuters, including doctors and patients enroute to hospitals. A cancer patient from another state was reportedly stopped mid-way, while a female doctor visiting Hospital was also obstructed. Legal professionals and teachers faced similar treatment, with some being verbally abused and physically pushed.

Journalists were not spared either. At Kalpana Square in the State Capital, media personnel faced arguments and shoving from Congress workers. In a disturbing incident, a poor street food vendor had his prepared meals thrown away by agitators.

Jagatsinghpur saw Congress workers storm the District Collector’s office, damaging the main gate and creating chaos. In Angul’s Chhendipada, a government bus was attacked and its windshield and wipers broken. Local Congress leader Narottam Nayak was caught on camera during the act.

In Ganjam’s Aska, locals openly opposed the bandh, leading to tense confrontations. Police had to intervene to calm the situation.

In Jajpur’s Dasarathpur block, Congress workers entered the BEO office and vandalized property. Health workers were blocked in Byasanagar, and Congress leader Bandita Parida was seen arguing with them.

Koraput’s Jeypore witnessed Congress workers storming the municipal office and a women’s college, causing panic. MLA Tara Prasad Bahinipati condemned the incident.

However, at Master Canteen Square in Bhubaneswar, Congress workers distributed flowers and chocolates to passersby, seemingly to soften their image—while simultaneously involving unaware children in the protests.

The bandh, meant to be a peaceful demonstration for justice, instead raised serious concerns about law and order, with innocent citizens bearing the brunt of political aggression.

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