Ahead of Odisha Bandh, Police assures law and order, denies rubber bullet use during BJD protest

In the wake of high-voltage protests led by the Biju Janata Dal (BJD) in the state capital on Wednesday, the Twin City Commissionerate Police confirmed that no rubber bullets were fired during the agitation.

Police Commissioner S. Dev Datta Singh said that the situation was brought under control using water cannons, five rounds of tear gas, and a restricted proportionate use of force.

The protest near Lower PMG Square, organised to demand justice for the deceased Fakir Mohan Autonomous College student, escalated into a face-off as BJD workers breached two levels of barricades and attempted to gherao Lok Seva Bhawan.

'No Rubber Bullets Used; Action Was Controlled'

“Lok Seva Bhawan does not belong to any party. It is the seat of the government, and hence adequate security is necessary. However, in a democracy, people have the right to protest, and we acknowledge their liberties,” said Commissioner Singh while addressing the media.

“In order to control the agitation and prevent it from spiralling out of control, we deployed force in a controlled and decisive manner. I want to confirm that no rubber bullets were fired. The situation was handled using water cannons, tear gas shells, and limited tactical dispersal,” he added.

Use of AI Surveillance and Drones

Singh further informed that artificial intelligence-powered cameras and drone surveillance were employed to closely monitor the protestors’ movements throughout the day.

“To manage the crowd and ensure accountability, all activities at the protest site were recorded,” he said.
Over 100 BJD workers were detained after clashing with the police. Several senior party leaders, including Pranab Prakash Das, Pritiranjan Ghadei, (Bobby Das, and Dani Ghadei), reportedly sustained minor injuries during the scuffle.

Odisha Bandh: Security Stepped Up for July 17

With political temperatures rising ahead of the statewide Odisha Bandh called by Congress and other parties on July 17, the police assured that all necessary precautions have been taken.

“There will be sufficient law and order arrangements tomorrow. No violence or untoward incident will be allowed to take place. We respect political parties’ liberty to protest, but public safety remains our top priority,” Singh said.

BJD Accuses Government of Negligence

The BJD had launched Wednesday’s protest alleging ‘systemic failure’ in addressing the harassment complaint filed by the FM College student before her death. Protesters demanded the resignation of Chief Minister Mohan Charan Majhi and the Higher Education Minister, accusing the government of inaction.

As of late Wednesday, Commissionerate Police personnel continued to guard key government installations in Bhubaneswar, including Lok Seva Bhawan, as the state braces for another day of demonstrations.