Bhubaneswar: At least 15 police personnel sustained injuries while attempting to prevent BJP Yuva Morcha activists from marching towards the Odisha Assembly here on Thursday.
Four journalists covering the protest rally were also injured in the violent scuffle at Mahatma Gandhi Road today noon. Among the injured cops, ACP Zone 1, Manas Ranjan Garnaik and two others are undergoing treatment at Capital Hospital, said Police Commissioner Saumendra Priyadarshi.
Speaking to Ommcom News, Priyadarshi said, “Our personnel excercised utmost restraint in trying to prevent the protesters from proceeding towards the Odisha Legislative Assembly. Stones were pelted, they were hit with bamboo shafts and concrete chunks.”
“I have spoken to the Director of Capital Hospital to provide the best treatment possible to our injured colleagues. If necessary they may be shifted for better treatment and care,” the Police Commissioner added.
The BJP Yuva Morcha’s protest started with a rally originating from Ram Mandir Square that headed towards Station Square and subsequently proceeded towards the State Assembly. The violence erupted when the activists were blocked by personnel of OSAP, IRB and Commissionerate of Police near Lower PMG.
The protesters demanding Minister of State (Home) Dibya Shankar Mishra’s dismissal over Mamita Meher murder case stormed into the barricading and entered into a scuffle with the cops. Eight police vehicles were damaged amid the intense clash.
“There was no baton charge as alleged, rather an attempt to defend ourselves from being hit and check the protesters who were intending to storm into the Assembly in session. Many of us sustained grievous injuries on head,” a senior police official said on conditions of anonymity.
The Twin City CP said a proper inquiry will be conducted in this matter. Cases will be registered on the basis of statements of the injured police personnel, said Priyadarshi.