Police-public clash in Odisha over underpass demand; Section 163 imposed

Tension escalated as hundreds of locals staged a protest demanding the construction of an underpass on National Highway 53 near Shilipur village in Kendrapada district, on Friday. The agitation led to a clash between police and protesters during attempts to block the road and gherao Marshaghai Police Station.

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According to sources, residents had been holding demonstrations and blocking the road for the past two days, pressing for their demand. The situation worsened after police detained six protesters, triggering anger among locals. In response, hundreds of residents, including women, surrounded the Marshaghai Police Station, demanding the immediate release of those detained.

As police tried to disperse the crowd, a scuffle broke out, creating a volatile situation in the area. To bring the situation under control and maintain law and order, prohibitory orders under BNS Section 163 were imposed at the protest site.

Some police personnel were injured in the scuffle, the sources stated.

The incensed protesters demand an underpass along with road expansion at Shilipur on the Chandikhole–Paradeep stretch of National Highway 53, citing safety concerns and frequent traffic disruptions. Police authorities are closely monitoring the situation to prevent further escalation.

“Some men and women had come to the Marshaghai Police Station over yesterday’s incident.  They opposed the detention of a few persons by police over a road blockade and agitation carried out for quite a long period. Let them submit in writing about whatever complaints they have. We will send the memorandum to our department higher-ups,” Kendrapara SDPO Jyoti Ranjan Gouda said to mediapersons.

“The law and order situation here is normal and under control now. Section 163 has been imposed. We have requested the general public to vacate the agitation site. Otherwise, we are looking into the matter and appropriate action will be taken,” the SDPO added.