TV
A shocking twist has unfolded in the ongoing agitation by the Odisha Drivers’ Mahasangha after the union claimed that police arrested its state treasurer, Aditya Prasad Behera, from the district office in Deogarh late last night.
Union members alleged that the arrest was made from the New Bus Stand area, reportedly without prior notice, leading to unrest. According to union representatives, Behera was detained at around 2 am despite being unwell and under medication.
The circumstances of his arrest remain unclear, with the Deogarh police yet to issue an official statement or confirm which police station made the arrest. The development has sparked concerns among union leaders, who allege that the police action was abrupt and unexplained.
Sources said the arrest followed a complaint lodged at Mancheswar police station by the Mini Truck Owners’ Association.
The complaint accused the treasurer of disrespecting drivers during an earlier exchange, prompting legal action. However, the arrest during night hours has drawn criticism from within the association, which maintains that their ongoing strike has remained peaceful.
Curiously, Deogarh police have refuted the claims of arresting Behera and stated that he was not in detention in any police stations under their jurisdiction.
Union Calls Arrest ‘Unjustified’
Deogarh district coordinator of the Drivers’ Mahasangha, Ranjit Pradhan, said that the union has maintained a disciplined approach in its protests.
He claimed that despite the peaceful nature of their demonstration, a senior leader was picked up late at night without formal communication from the authorities. Union members suspect the action may be an attempt to pressure the leadership and disrupt the movement.
Behera was reportedly present at the Deogarh office when police personnel, dressed in uniform, arrived and took him away. He was later brought to the local police station, but further details have not been disclosed by the authorities.
“We are holding a peaceful protest, and that too, while being 300 meters away from the road. Last night, some of our members saw men in police uniforms pick up our treasurer and drive away in an SUV, but when we approached the police, they denied having made any such move,” said Ranjit Pradhan.
“We are worried for Aditya and pray that he is reunited with us soon. We have accordingly filed a missing report with the police,” he added.
Meanwhile, as of the last reports, no comments could be obtained from the police regarding this situation.
