Sambalpur Violence: VHP Observes 12 Hour Bandh in Western Odisha

Sambalpur: The Vishva Hindu Parishad (VHP) is observing a 12-hour bandh in 14 western Odisha districts including the undivided Koraput. The bandh is observed as a mark of protest against the violence during Hanuman Jayanti in Sambalpur.

The bandh started at 6 am and will continue till 6 pm in the evening today. The bandh has affected normal lives in several districts as VHP workers were seen picketing at various places to make the bandh a successful one.

Members of the BJP and Bajrang Dal also extended their support for the bandh. The protesters demanded stringent action against the rioters that caused mayhem in Sambalpur during Hanuman Jayanti. They burnt tires and blocked the main roads and highways during the protest.

Shops and business establishments were shut down in Deogarh as a mark of support for the protest. Other districts including Sambalpur, Deogarh, Jharsuguda, Sundargarh, Bolangir, Sonepur, Boudh, Kalahandi, Nuapada, Koraput, Nabarangpur, Malkangiri, and Rayagada also witnessed the bandh by the Bajrang dal workers.

It is pertinent to note that a religious rally turned violent in Odisha’s Sambalpur district. During a bike rally from Dhanupali Street for Hanuman Jayanti, people pelted stones. At least 10 police personnel were injured in the attack.