Bhadrak on edge after clash between street vendors on New Year

Bhadrak witnessed tense scenes on Thursday on the auspicious occasion of New Year 2026 after a dispute involving street vendors escalated at Apartibindha Square. The situation worsened when members of two groups came face to face, leading to a blockade of Kacheri Road.

According to reports, agitated locals resorted to a road blockade, alleging repeated and organised attacks on street vendors in the area. The unrest reportedly stemmed from a scuffle between two street vendors, which later snowballed into a major dispute.

Sources said a street vendor near Apartibindha Square was allegedly attacked with a sharp weapon on Wednesday, leaving him critically injured. He was immediately rushed to a nearby hospital for treatment. Tensions further escalated on Thursday after the victim’s relative was also reportedly assaulted.

Angered by the incidents, local residents along with members of various organisations staged a protest, raising slogans and demanding swift action against the accused. The blockade was eventually lifted following police intervention and discussions with the protesters.

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The Additional Superintendent of Police (ASP), Bhadrak, reached the spot and held talks with the agitating locals to defuse the situation and restore normalcy.

"A woman was attacked by a miscreant today. Earlier, his son was attacked by the miscreant. A case has been registered at the Town police station in connection with the case and the youth has been detained. Stern action will be taken against him as per the provision in the law. There was a road block today due to altercation between street vendors. Local Tehsildar and MLA reached the spot and hold discussions with them following which the road blockade was removed," said Bhadrak Additional SP Arup Abhishek Das.