Security Heightened In Odisha Assembly, Bhubaneswar DCP Warns Of Strict Action Against Anyone Attempting Suicide

Bhubaneswar: As the second phase of the budget session of the Odisha Assembly in the State capital began today, the Commissionerate Police has tightened the security arrangements and warned legal action against anyone attempting suicide outside the Assembly premises.

Briefing the media on the security arrangements, Bhubaneswar DCP Umashankar Das said, "The security deployment during the second phase session of the Odisha Assembly will be the same as it was during the first phase."

Around 30 platoons of police force have been deployed in and around the Assembly and over 60 officers have been engaged in the duty to ensure smooth conduct of the session. Elaborate arrangements have been made for the entry and exit of MLAs, ministers and others staff of the Assembly, added the DCP.

Keeping in view the multiple attempts of self-immolation, police teams will be kept on standby to prevent any suicide bid outside the Assembly. Besides, strict legal action will be initiated against anyone attempting suicide as it is constitutionally illegal, warned Das.

On traffic restrictions, Das informed, "The traffic restrictions will also be like it was in the first phase of the Odisha Assembly. Movement of vehicles will not be allowed on the roads in front of the Secretariat and the Assembly while connecting routes will be diverted during the budget session," added the DCP.

In a related development, the second phase of the Budget session began on a stormy note with Opposition BJP and Congress creating ruckus in the House over paddy procurement. The Opposition accused the State government of betrayal for not implementing the decision taken in the all-party meeting to address the problems of the farmers.

Due to the uproar by the Opposition members during the first question hour, Speaker Surjya Narayan Patro was forced to adjourn the House till 11.30 am. Later, the House was adjourned till 4 pm today.

Earlier, the first phase of the budget session of the assembly, which commenced with the address of Governor Prof Ganeshi Lal on February 18, concluded on February 27. Finance Minister Niranjan Pujari presented the annual budget for financial year 2021-22 on February 22.

(Edited By Rashmi Ranjan Mohanty)

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