The ongoing strike by drivers of app-based ride-hailing services here turned violent on Wednesday as they allegedly threw stones at police personnel and vandalised their vans, as well as government-run Ama buses, police said.
“We have deployed adequate force at the Lower PMG, and they will be camping there on Thursday too. “They blocked the major thoroughfare, causing inconvenience to the public. The government has no role in this. The situation has returned to normal and vehicular movement has resumed, he added. With a large number of cabs, bikes, and auto-rickshaws remaining off the roads, commuters dependent on these services were greatly inconvenienced.
Police officials said that at least 13 police personnel were injured while 80 protesters were arrested. At least 13 police personnel, including the inspector in charge of the Capital Police Station, sustained injuries, said Narasingha Bhol, the Additional Commissioner of Police (Cuttack-Bhubaneswar). Bhubaneswar DCP Jagmohan Meena said about 80 protesters were arrested and all vehicles parked at the protest site were seized. Police had permitted the protesters to stage a demonstration at Mahatma Gandhi Marg on August 17, but they continued the agitation, he said.
When police personnel tried to persuade the protesters to clear the road, the agitators allegedly turned violent and suddenly pelted stones at the force deployed on the spot, a police officer said. Protesters also vandalised three police vans and several Ama buses, he said. Terming the stir “illogical”, the DCP said, “They staged a protest against private companies.
