Bhubaneswar: Traffic came to a standstill on the busy stretch between Unit-8 DAV Chhak and CRP Square on Thursday evening after grieving family members and local residents blocked the road, demanding justice for a youth who died while undergoing treatment earlier in the day.
The deceased was identified as Jitendra Das, also known as Babulu, a resident of Narayana Basti. Following his death, his family members, supported by local residents, placed his body on the roadway and launched a protest, bringing vehicular movement to a complete halt for a prolonged period. Several vehicles were left stranded on both sides of the road, causing severe inconvenience to commuters.
The protesters accused the police of inaction and alleged that the accused were being shielded. Raising slogans, they demanded the immediate arrest of all those involved in the incident. Tension escalated during the agitation, with angry locals reportedly vandalising the house of one of the accused.
According to police sources, two persons, including a juvenile, have been detained in connection with the case. The police have identified five more suspects and formed multiple teams to trace and arrest them.
Preliminary investigations indicate that past rivalry may have been the motive behind the killing, police said.
The situation was brought under control after senior police officials rushed to the spot, held discussions with the protesters and assured them that swift action would be taken. Following the assurance, the blockade was lifted and traffic movement gradually resumed.
