50 VHP, Bajrang Dal Members Held During Rourkela Bandh

Rourkela: More than 50 Vishwa Hindu Parishad (VHP) and Bajrang Dal activists were arrested today on charges of disturbing law and order at different places in Rourkela during the observance of a 12-hour bandh called by the two organizations.

Demanding stern action against the miscreants and an unbiased probe into the offensive WhatsApp post that triggered group clashes in Steel City on Thursday, the VHP is observing the bandh in the city.

Keeping in mind the bandh, police personnel have been deployed at various sensitive places. While around 30 platoons of police force have been deployed in the city, the strength of the CRPF contingent on surveillance duty has been increased.

PK Mishra, DSP, Rourkela, said, “Adequate security arrangements have been made and patrolling parties deployed in important areas. Any violation of law and order will not be tolerated.”

As the BJP has pledged its support to the bandh, the Sundergarh ADM, held discussions with the members of the VHP and BJP yesterday evening urging them to withdraw the strike and maintain peace.