Sachivalaya Marg turns into battleground as Congress workers clash with police during protest

Bhubaneswar: Palpable tension prevailed in the state capital after members of Odisha Chhatra Congress had a face off with police personnel during  their protest over the sensational Mamita Meher murder case.

Thousands of Chhatra Congress members today marched towards Odisha Legislative Assembly as a mark of protest against the state Government for its ‘inaction’ against Minister of State (Home) Dibya Shankar Mishra for his alleged link with Govind Sahu, the main accused in Mamita Meher murder case.

Demanding justice for deceased Mamita Meher, the Congress workers alleged that the state Government is misusing its power while trying to suppress the matter. They also reiterated the demand for dismissal of Minister Dibya Shankar Mishra.

Midway, police personnel intercepted the protesters when they attempted to barge inside the Assembly premises after breaking through the barricades.

The Sachivalaya Marg later turned into a battle ground after the cops resorted to lathicharge in a bid to disperse the agitators. The cops also went inside Congress Bhawan and lathicharged the party workers. Few Chhatra Congress members suffered injuries during the lathicharge with one of them left with a severe head injury. On the other  hand, the protesters pelted eggs and tomatoes at the cops during the face-off.

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Protesting the lathicharge by police, Congress workers later sat on a dharna on the main road at Master Canteen Square, one of the busiest roads in the state capital, disrupting traffic service for a while. They also sought an apology from the cops for the same.

Commenting on the matter, DCP Uma Shankar Dash said, “Safety of the House is our first priority. I was not present at the spot but i was informed that the agitators attempted to torch a police vehicle. Around 500-1,000 youth threw eggs and tomatoes on police personnel.”

Earlier yesterday, BJP Yuva Morcha gheraoed the Assembly over the same issue.