Nabarangpur: Thousands of women belonging to the District Women’s Mahasangh on Tuesday staged a massive protest outside the Sub-Collector’s office here, demanding the immediate release of CPI(M) leader and Mahasangh advisor Rajesh Jani, who was arrested and sent to jail for refusing to execute a bond assuring that he would maintain peace.
The protesters, carrying sticks and wooden poles, began assembling outside the Sub-Collector’s office around noon and continued their sit-in, raising slogans against Jani’s arrest. The agitation has left the area tense, with police personnel deployed to maintain law and order.
Jani had been spearheading an anti-liquor campaign in Nabarangpur district. However, apprehending a possible breach of peace, the Sub-Collector’s office had initiated proceedings against him under Section 129 of the Bharatiya Nagarik Suraksha Sanhita (BNSS).
According to officials, three notices were issued to Jani seeking his response, but he did not reply. Subsequently, a warrant was issued against him on October 27.
Tentulikhunti police arrested him on Monday evening and produced him before the Sub-Collector. As Jani allegedly refused to sign a bond undertaking to maintain peace, he was taken into custody and sent to jail.
The arrest triggered widespread resentment among members of the Mahasangh, who vowed to continue their agitation until Jani is released. Despite cloudy skies and intermittent rain, the protesters remained stationed outside the Sub-Collector’s office.
Police personnel reached the spot and attempted to pacify the demonstrators, but the women remained firm on their demand.
Several political leaders extended support to the agitation. They included Congress district president Dr Lipika Majhi, Anam Dian, senior BJD leader and former MP Pradeep Majhi, and Zilla Parishad member Arun Mishra.
Mahasangh representatives present included district president Draupadi Bagh, advisor Banamala Nag, secretary Parbati Durua, Tentulikhunti block president Srimati Bhatra, vice-president Rambha Kumbhar and district organisers Debaraj Nag and Dayanidhi Suna.
Meanwhile, the Sub-Collector maintained that the action against Jani was taken in accordance with the law, alleging that he had disregarded the court’s directions.
