BJD declares Bhubaneswar shutdown on Tuesday, demands justice for assaulted Army officer

Bhubaneswar, Sept 22: The Biju Janata Dal (BJD) has announced a six-hour shutdown in Bhubaneswar on Tuesday, September 24, in response to the worsening law and order situation following an incident involving an army officer and his fiancée at Bharatpur police station.

The shutdown will be observed in the capital city and surrounding areas, starting from 6 AM, as revealed by BJD leader Debi Prasad Mishra during a press conference.

Condemning the police misconduct at Bharatpur station, the BJD has urged citizens to support the bandh. The incident involved police officers allegedly mistreating an army officer and his friend, sparking widespread outrage.

Leader of Opposition and former Chief Minister Naveen Patnaik has called for a judicial inquiry into the matter. Additionally, the BJD's women’s wing submitted a memorandum to the President, drawing attention to the State's declining law and order situation.

The BJD criticized the BJP for celebrating 100 days in power while allegedly attempting to downplay the Bharatpur police station incident, which occurred on the night of September 15. They further accused the ruling party of ignoring critical law enforcement failures during their tenure.