Protesting against the deteriorating law and order situation and rise in crime against woman and Dalits, the district Congress here gheraoed the SP office on Wednesday.
Hundreds of party activists led by DCC president Debendra Sharma, lok Sabha Youth Congress president Mitu Das and former Minister Ganeswar Behera took out a rally from Jajanga Chowk to the SP office on the Cuttack-Chandabali road and later organized a demonstration in front of the SP office.
While addressing, former Minister Behera said there is an alarming rise in cognizable offences in the district against women and Dalits.
As against 1,912 cases in 2011, 2,548 cases were reported in 2012 in the district recording an increase of over 35 per cent, he said. “Kendrapada has witnessed a disturbing trend in cases of theft, dacoity and murder. Because of regular political interventions, local police often fail to discharge their duties in a free and fair manner.
Consequently, common people are denied justice and suffer immensely. Even, complaints are not entertained and FIRs are not registered under the influence of the ruling BJD,” alleged Kendrapada lok Sabha Youth Congress president Das.
The activists submitted a memorandum with several demands to the DSP for the Chief Minister. They warned that if their demands were not fulfilled, the DCC would intensify its agitation.