BJD Calls Bhubaneswar Bandh on September 24 Over Alleged Assault on Army Major and Fiancée

Bhubaneswar: The Biju Janata Dal (BJD) has called for a Bhubaneswar bandh on September 24 to protest the alleged assault on an Army Major and his fiancée at a police station in Odisha’s capital.

The bandh will last for six hours, from 6 AM to 12 PM on September 24 (Tuesday), as the party ramps up its protest against the police’s alleged misconduct towards the Major and his fiancée, according to BJD leader Debi Prasad Mishra during a press conference.

The incident involving Army officer Gurvansh Singh Gosa and his fiancée Ankita Pradhan at Bharatpur Police Station on September 15 has sparked widespread condemnation. Leaders from various political parties have expressed outrage, demanding strict action against the police officials involved.

BJD’s women members protested outside the Governor’s House on Saturday, putting pressure on the current BJP government over the incident. Meanwhile, Congress leaders Rahul Gandhi and Priyanka Gandhi raised concerns about the law and order situation in BJP-ruled states, with Rahul Gandhi calling the incident “shameful for the entire humanity” in a post on his X handle.

“The horrifying incident in Odisha has brought serious attention to the law and order situation in the country. An army officer, who sought police assistance, was brutally beaten, and his fiancée suffered mistreatment in custody. This despicable act is a disgrace to humanity,” Rahul Gandhi stated, referring to the incident as ‘shameful.’