Bhubaneswar: Leader of Opposition, Naveen Patnaik, has “slammed State Government” over the Police Bruatality on peaceful demonstrators. The BJD President reiterated its commitment to “stand up for justice and uphold the democratic rights of the people of #Odisha,” asserting that “no force can stifle” their commitment.
Boss of the Biju Janata Dal (BJD) today accused the Odisha government and police of employing “heavy-handed tactics” to suppress a peaceful demonstration held in Bhubaneswar. The protest, organized by the BJD, aimed to highlight the “tragic death of a 20-year-old girl student,” which the party attributes to “systemic apathy and sheer betrayal.”
According to Shri Patnaik’s statement, party leaders and workers marched in a “disciplined manner” towards Lok Seva Bhawan. However, the demonstration was met with police intervention, including the use of water cannons and, controversily, rubber bullets, which the BJD claims were fired “without any provocation.”
The Party Chief has strongly condemned these actions, asserting that the police acted in a “blatantly partisan manner” and that there was “absolutely no justification for such excessive force.”
The BJD’s condemnation comes amidst serious allegations of police misconduct. The party highlighted a recent incident where a senior IPS officer was reportedly “caught on camera near the Chief Minister’s residence instructing his force to break the legs of protesters and promising awards to those who achieved this feat.”
The BJD claims that today’s events saw two former Ministers sustain broken legs, potentially requiring surgery. Additionally, a lady Rajya Sabha member and several party workers were reportedly “brutally hit by the police.” The BJD has demanded an explanation from the Government regarding these alleged directives.
Despite the alleged police action, the BJD has affirmed its resolve to continue its “relentless fight undeterred” until justice is served for the deceased FM College girl student. The party stated that “neither water cannons nor rubber bullets can weaken our resolve.”
This incident marks a significant escalation in the political discourse surrounding democratic protests in Odisha, with the BJD vowing to persist in its agitation.