Cong activists hurl eggs at cops during march to Odisha CM’s residence

Bhubaneswar: The demand for action against Minister of State (MoS) Home Dibya Shankar Mishra for his alleged involvement in schoolteacher Mamita Meher’s murder case continues with Congress intensifying its ongoing protest over the incident across the state.

However, the protest took a violent turn today after thousands of agitating Chhatra Congress members led by unit president Sayed Yasir Nawaz got into a scuffle with police personnel while marching towards Naveen Niwas here this noon. During the face-off, the activists broke the barricades and hurled tomatoes and eggs at the on-duty cops. Later, the cops overpowered them and picked up many of them to avert any unpleasant situation.

Earlier in the day, Chhatra Congress members and presidents from all districts took out a rally in the state capital demanding resignation and arrest of the concerned Minister.

In view of the protest, police had tightened the security in areas near the CM’s residence to avoid any kind of eventuality. Total 22 platoons of police forces were deployed near Naveen Niwas and roads in the adjacent areas sealed.

Also Read: Mamita Meher murder: Congress, BJP scale up protest in Odisha

Bhubaneswar DCP Umashankar Dash said action will be taken against those, who hurled eggs and tomatoes at on-duty cops during the protest.

On the other hand, Cuttack Youth Congress members led by MLA Mohammed Moquim gheraoed the DGP office demanding dismissal of Minister Dibya Shankar Mishra. The protestors also gave the state Government an ultimatum of 72 hours to take action against the Minister.

The youth wing further warned that it will gherao Naveen Niwas in coming days, if the demand is not met at the earliest.

Congress’ state In-charge A Chellakumar is scheduled to meet to meet family of the deceased during his four-day visit to the state starting October 28.