Drivers’ Agitation Against New Hit-And-Run Law Affects Transportation in Odisha

Bhubaneswar: Goods and passenger transportation was affected throughout Odisha due to drivers’ agitation against the new hit-and-run law, under the Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita.

Under the banner of Odisha Driver Mahasangh, the drivers held dharna in block and district headquarters across Odisha. Because of their agitation, all major bus stands in the State wore a deserted look.

Private buses did not operate from Cuttack, Balasore, Sambalpur, Dhenkanal, Jajpur, Koraput, Berhampur and several other parts of the state. Added to it, the goods transportation was also affected by this drivers’ strike.

The Mahasangh has appealed to the drivers to stage the dharna peacefully.

“I appeal to all our brothers to stage dharna at block headquarters in a peaceful manner. If any driver was found driving a vehicle, we should not misbehave with him rather we should apprise him politely,” Mahasangh president Prashant Menduli said in a video message.

The drivers are opposed to the new hit-and-run law, under which there is up to 10 years of imprisonment and a fine of Rs 7 lakh.