BJD and Congress : Bhubaneswar, (Reporterspen), Sept 21: The Opposition parties, Biju Janata Dal (BJD) and Congress, organized separate protests in Odisha’s capital against the alleged assault of an Army officer and his fiancée at the Bharatpur police station, an incident that has sparked national outrage.
BJD workers staged a demonstration outside Raj Bhavan, while Congress activists protested near Chief Minister Mohan Charan Majhi’s residence. The BJD’s protest followed party president and Leader of Opposition Naveen Patnaik’s call for a judicial inquiry into the matter.
The regional party also submitted a memorandum to the President of India, citing a deterioration in the state’s law and order. BJD protesters demanded strict action against the police officials involved in the assault on Major Gurvansh Singh of the Sikh Regiment and his fiancée. Bhubaneswar Mayor Sulochana Das criticized the Crime Branch investigation as an “eyewash” and urged for a court-monitored Special Investigation Team (SIT).
Meanwhile, Congress workers attempted to gherao the Chief Minister’s residence, hurling tomatoes and eggs at police personnel and trying to breach barricades. BJD leader Lekhasri Samantasinghar expressed shock at the treatment of the Army officer and his fiancée.
