Bhubaneswar: The Commissionerate Police has registered three separate cases at the Capital police station in connection with the violence that erupted at Lower PMG square in Bhubaneswar during a Congress protest over women’s safety on Thursday. With the registration of these cases, the police have initiated the process to identify the accused involved in the violence.
One case pertains to the burning of a police vehicle, while another involves the attack on a police officer. A third case has been registered against Congress workers who protested in front of the Assembly gate. The police have imposed 17 serious charges against the accused under relevant sections of BNS.
The case pertining to police vehicle burning was registered under section 327 BNS while the case related to the attack on a police officials attracted section 189 (2),191 (2), 126 (2), 132,121, 324 (4),296,351 (2),190 of BNS and section 96 of Odisha Urban Police Act.
Similarly, police slapped sections 189 (2), 221, 296,132,190 of BNS and section 96 of Odisha Urban Police Act in the case against Congress workers who protested in front of the Assembly gate on March 26.
On Thursday, Director-General of Police (DGP) YB Khurania had warned of stern action against those responsible for the violence. The clashes resulted in injuries to 15 police personnel and a TV journalist, who are currently undergoing treatment at Capital Hospital.
Meanwhile, a case has been filed against the police with the Human Rights Commission in connection with the lathi charge incident. The complaint, lodged by lawyer Lalatendu Das, named the Police DG, Police Commissioner, and Bhubaneswar DCP. It is alleged that the police initiated the lathi charge on Congress workers without provocation.
PCC President Bhakta Charan Das stated that the Congress party had appealed for peaceful protests. However, some miscreants attempted to resort to violent means, exhibiting a criminal attitude. Das clarified that these individuals were not affiliated with the Congress party.
