Bhubaneswar: Tension gripped Bahalda block in Mayurbhanj district on Friday after a road blockade protest over the alleged misbehavior and harassment of a minor tribal girl turned violent, leading to the arrest of 34 people, including 27 women.
The incident stemmed from an alleged misconduct involving a youth and a young girl in Bahalda market (or nearby Binjhua village under Tiring police station limits) on Thursday.
Agitated locals, demanding immediate handover and arrest of the accused for justice, blocked National Highway-220 (NH-220) near Murmu Chowk, disrupting traffic and placing the victim symbolically on a cot in the middle of the road.When police and administration officials, including the Bahalda Tehsildar, arrived to mediate and persuade the protesters to lift the blockade, the situation escalated.
The crowd reportedly attacked the police with sticks and stones, injuring at least 12 personnel, including Inspector of Rairangpur Town J. Swain, SI Alok Singh, and others. Three officers were seriously hurt and rushed to Bahalda Hospital for treatment. The agitators also vandalized and overturned the official vehicle of the Bahalda Tehsildar during the clash. In response, police registered cases at Tiring police station for the attack on officers and vandalism.
A crackdown followed, resulting in the arrest of 34 individuals involved in the violence. Authorities conducted a flag march in the area to restore order and prevent further unrest. Senior police officials described the mob’s actions as unprovoked, emphasizing efforts to handle the sensitive harassment complaint separately while maintaining law and order.
The alleged accused in the original incident remains under investigation.
