Bhubaneswar: The Commissionerate Police on Thursday confirmed that the 12-hour Odisha Bandh, called by the Congress over the death of a Fakir Mohan College student, remained largely peaceful in Twin City - Bhubaneswar and Cuttack.

“The protest was conducted peacefully in the Twin City with no reports of untoward incidents. Demonstrations and picketing were carried out in a democratic manner,” said Police Commissioner Suresh Dev Datta Singh.

"While some commuters experienced inconvenience on National Highways due to the bandh, the police extended assistance at various locations to ease movement. All activities were closely monitored using CCTV cameras, drones, and AI-based surveillance systems. The situation was continuously reviewed from Police Bhawan, with special attention given to VIP movement, law and order, and traffic regulation under the supervision of the DCP," he said.

The police helpline, issued earlier for public assistance during the bandh, received eight calls. A total of 48 protestors were detained during the course of demonstrations in Twin City, he added.

Congress called for a 12-hour bandh across Odisha demanding justice for Soumyashree Bisi, a 20-year-old girl who lost her life following self-immolation bid on premises of the FM College on July 12 in Balasore. She set herself on fire alleging continuous harassment by her HoD and college authorities for past six months.