Bandh-hartal for Kunduli cause shuts down Odisha, normal life affected

Bhubaneswar: Normal life has been affected  in the state today due to a dawn to dusk bandh and hartal called by Opposition parties Congress and BJP protesting Kunduli suicide.

While buses, auto-rickshaws and other vehicles stayed off roads, many trains like Bengaluru-Tinsukia Superfast Express, Sambalpur-Puri and Sambalpur-Rayagada Intercity Express trains were halted by the protesters who are demanding a CBI probe into the alleged gang rape of the minor girl by security personnel.

Many passengers were stranded at different railway stations and bus stations whereas many shops and business establishments remained closed.

Workers of the two parties staged road blockades at various junctions and also resorted to picketing several offices.

Following the bandh call, the government had declared to close down schools and colleges.

Bandh supporters are seen picketing at places like Master Canteen square and major junctions of the capital city.

"Protesting the injustice done to the innocent Kunduli girl, we have called Odisha bandh. The state government and the administration vehemently tried to suppress the case owing to which the girl committed suicide," alleged senior Congress leader Suresh Kumar Routray.

People from all walks of life have extended their support for the cause. The grave injustice done to the Kunduli girl by this 'insensitive' government will not be tolerated, said another Congress worker picketing at the railway station.

Congress workers have also stopped several trains at Sambalpur and Bhadrak railway stations.

BJP State General Secretary Prithviraj Harichandan said the State government is responsible for the suicide of the girl and that a Central Bureau of Investigation (CBI) probe can unearth the truth behind the case.

Besides, the bandh has affected  life in several places like Rourkela, Sundargarh, Jharsuguda, Bargarh, Jagatsinghpur and Cuttack.

Also Read: Kunduli Suicide shakes state, political parties on streets to vent ire

Moreover, Congress workers reportedly resorted to violence in Cuttack damaging several vehicles during the 12-hour Odisha bandh.

Schools and colleges across the state have also been instructed by the state government to remain closed for the day while market places are wearing a deserted look.

                                           Odisha Bandh In Pics

[caption id="attachment_270917" align="alignleft" width="357"] Bhadrak[/caption]

[caption id="attachment_270918" align="alignright" width="357"] Master Canteen Square, Bhubaneswar[/caption]

[caption id="attachment_270920" align="alignleft" width="357"] Dharamgarh[/caption]

[caption id="attachment_270921" align="alignright" width="357"] Gunpur[/caption]

[caption id="attachment_270922" align="alignleft" width="357"] Jagatsinghpur[/caption]

[caption id="attachment_270923" align="alignright" width="357"] Sambalpur[/caption]

[caption id="attachment_270924" align="alignleft" width="357"] Passengers at Bhubaneswar Railway Station[/caption]

[caption id="attachment_270925" align="alignright" width="357"] Cuttack[/caption]

[caption id="attachment_270930" align="alignleft" width="357"] Soro[/caption]

[caption id="attachment_270941" align="alignright" width="357"] Berhampur[/caption]

[caption id="attachment_270926" align="alignleft" width="357"] Kalahandi[/caption]

[caption id="attachment_270929" align="alignright" width="357"] Phulbani[/caption]