BJD Cancels Bhubaneswar Bandh Set for September 24: Here's the Reason

The Biju Janata Dal (BJD) has officially withdrawn the Bhubaneswar bandh it had previously scheduled for September 24, according to the latest reports. The party announced this decision in a press briefing, signaling that the strike had been called off due to a key development—the state government agreeing to an independent investigation into the matter at hand.

Initially, the BJD had planned a six-hour bandh across Odisha's capital city, Bhubaneswar, in response to the controversial incident involving an Army Major in Bharatpur. Party sources revealed that senior BJD leader Debiprasad Mishra had disclosed this plan during a press conference, noting that the bandh was sanctioned by the party's president and Chief Minister, Naveen Patnaik.

The protest, scheduled for September 24 (Tuesday), was set to run from 6 a.m. to 1 p.m. BJD leader Arun Sahu, while addressing the media, clarified the timing of the shutdown and urged the local population to cooperate in the hartal. Meanwhile, another party member, Ashok Panda, also called upon the citizens of Bhubaneswar to lend their support to the strike, reflecting the seriousness of the party’s stance on the issue.

The trigger for the bandh stemmed from an alarming incident that occurred on September 15. An Army Major and his fiancée were reportedly attacked and harassed by a group of individuals as they were returning from a hotel. When they sought assistance and tried to lodge an FIR at the Bharatpur police station, the situation took an even more disturbing turn. The couple alleged that they faced abuse from the police officers present, with claims that the woman was sexually assaulted by some of the officers.

Public outrage followed the incident, prompting swift actions from the police. Seven individuals involved in harassing the couple were arrested, and five police officers were suspended in connection with the mistreatment at the station. Those suspended included Inspector-in-Charge (IIC) Dinakrushna Mishra, Sub-Inspector Baisalini Panda, Assistant Sub-Inspectors Salilamayee Sahoo and Sagarika Rath, and Constable Balaram Handa. This disciplinary move was seen as a crucial step in addressing the issue, but it did little to quell the mounting frustration.

However, the situation became more controversial when the seven accused individuals were released on bail just four hours after their arrest. This quick release triggered further protests and intensified calls for justice. In response to public and political pressure, the Odisha Crime Branch was tasked with conducting an in-depth investigation into the case, ensuring a more transparent and unbiased probe.

Given the gravity of the situation and the involvement of both civilians and law enforcement, the BJD's bandh call was seen as a way to keep up the pressure on the authorities. The party’s decision to eventually withdraw the bandh came after the government's assurance of an independent investigation, indicating a potential breakthrough in resolving the issue.

As the investigation progresses, the public’s focus remains on the findings of the Crime Branch. The case has not only highlighted issues of police misconduct but also brought attention to the need for ensuring accountability within law enforcement. The government's prompt action in suspending the officers and involving the Crime Branch has been welcomed, but the public remains vigilant, hoping for a thorough and fair inquiry that brings justice to the victims.

In the coming days, political and legal developments related to the Bharatpur incident will likely shape public discourse in Odisha, with both the government and opposition parties closely monitoring the investigation. For now, the BJD's decision to call off the bandh is being seen as a strategic move, likely influenced by the desire to maintain public order while ensuring that justice is served.