Violent turn in three-day strike disrupts city traffic
Bhubaneswar: A protest by app-based cab drivers, auto-rickshaw operators and bike riders that began on August 17 escalated into violence on Wednesday in the Lower PMG and Master Canteen areas, leaving some police personnel injured and prompting multiple detentions, police said.
Hundreds of taxis and bikes staged a rally from Raj Mahal Square and parked along Mahatma Gandhi Marg, blocking the main thoroughfare and hindering commuter movement near the railway station. According to a police officer on the scene, when personnel attempted to clear the road protesters allegedly hurled stones at the force and at parked city Ama buses. Several Ama buses were reportedly vandalised during the confrontation.
Police moved in to disperse the crowd and took action that included a lathi-charge, the officer said. Vehicles parked on the road have been or will be seized and legal proceedings initiated, police added. Authorities said the situation later returned to normal and vehicular movement resumed.
“They blocked the major city road, causing inconvenience to the public. It is a completely illegal protest. We have detained more than 30 people. The vehicles parked on the road will also be seized, and legal action will be taken against them,”
Bhutaneswar DCP Jagmohan Meena said police had granted permission for a demonstration on Mahatma Gandhi Marg for one day on August 17, but the protesters continued the agitation for two more days, leading to escalation. The DCP described the demonstrators’ demands as “illogical” and said the protest targeted private companies rather than the government.
Demands and impact
The drivers and riders are reported to be pressing a seven-point charter of demands submitted to ride-hailing platforms. The demands publicised in reports include:
- Fare hike
- Reduction in application fees
- Social security and other benefits
Other items in the seven-point list were not specified in initial reports. The strike affected passengers and regular commuters, with a large number of cabs, bikes and auto-rickshaws staying off the roads during the action.
| Aspect | Report |
|---|---|
| Start of action | Cease-work initiated on August 17 |
| Locations affected | Raj Mahal Square, Mahatma Gandhi Marg, Master Canteen, railway station |
| Police response | Detention of over 30 people; vehicles seized; lathi-charge reported |
Precautions and civic guidance
Commuters and residents are advised to allow extra travel time when using routes near Master Canteen, the railway station and Mahatma Gandhi Marg while authorities finalise seizures and complete investigations. Motorists should avoid parking on major thoroughfares and follow directions from traffic police to minimise disruption.
Anyone with information about incidents of violence or damage to public property during the protests is requested to contact the local police control room. Passengers whose travel was affected should keep documentation of bookings and receipts in case they need to file complaints with service providers or for any legal process.
City authorities have underlined that demonstrations must comply with the terms of permission granted by police, and that unlawful continuation of protests after permission has expired may attract strict action. The police officer said injured personnel received treatment and that investigations are ongoing to identify those responsible for vandalism and offences against public order.
Further developments, including the list of detained persons and details of legal action, will be shared by police as inquiries progress.
