Chandbali (Bhadrak): Daily life came to a standstill in Chandbali block of Bhadrak district on Thursday following a six-hour bandh called by the Biju Janata Dal (BJD) and the Congress to protest the alleged rape and murder of a 10-year-old girl, officials said.
Authorities reported no incidents of violence during the shutdown, which was enforced amid tight security arrangements. Police personnel were deployed in large numbers at sensitive locations to prevent any breach of law and order, a senior officer said.
Supporters of the bandh, including local residents and workers from opposition parties, blocked major roads by setting tyres on fire, severely disrupting vehicular movement in Chandbali and surrounding areas. Activists from Left parties also joined the protest.
The demonstrators expressed dissatisfaction with the state government’s announcement of ₹10 lakh ex-gratia assistance to the victim’s family, terming it inadequate. They demanded that the compensation be increased to ₹50 lakh.
Most shops, markets and business establishments remained closed during the protest. Local BJD MLA Byomakesh Ray said the widespread shutdown reflected the depth of public outrage over the incident.
The body of the Class III student was recovered on Tuesday from a bush near Baligaon village under Chandbali police station limits. Police have arrested one person in connection with the case. Following the arrest, an enraged crowd allegedly vandalised the accused’s house.
The case has triggered sharp political reactions across the state, with opposition parties accusing the government of failing to maintain law and order. Both the BJD and the Congress have demanded the resignation of Chief Minister Mohan Charan Majhi, who also holds charge of the home department.
