Controversy over cricket match leads to major road blockade in Bhubaneswar

Bhubaneswar experienced a significant traffic disturbance following a dispute over a cricket match. The locals on Sunday blocked the main road connecting Rasulgarh with Kalpana, causing considerable congestion in the Laxmisagar area.

Sources said that the entire controversy allegedly erupted over inviting guests from a particular party during the cricket match which was opposed by the players. Though the matter reached the local police station, no consensus was reached which aggravated the situation.

Holding bats and other playing gears,  the protestors staged a road blockade prompting senior officials of Commissionerate Police to swing into action.

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Angered by the outcome of the cricket match, the locals took to the streets bringing traffic to a standstill. Thousands of vehicles were stranded, with the blockage severely impacting daily commuters and businesses in the area.

 “We do not know who stopped the cricket match. We want the tournament to be organised and permission should be given for the match at the same ground,” said a protestor.

Another agitator said, “We demand the cricket match to be organised. The ground is of a school and we were told that there was pressure from the top to stop the event despite matches being re-scheduled after weather conditions improved following rainfall. The police and other officials are not hearing our demands and hence we blocked the road. We want the children to play on the ground.”

Stadiums are being constructed at different places in the state. But here in Bhubaneswar, attempts are being made to crush the rights of children, alleged another protestor.

ACP and inspectors of three police stations reached the spot after getting information about the road blockade. Several commuters were stranded following the road blockade protest by the local residents.

“I have been stranded at the spot due to the demonstration for over an hour. I intended to go towards Kalpana Square, but got stuck here,” said a commuter.