law and order has completely collapsed in Kendrapada town as police cracked down on protestors who were demanding immediate arrest of godman Srimad Sarathi Baba on Friday.
Taking up from where it had left on Thursday night, police lathicharged protestors who had blocked the road at Tinimunhani Square demanding immediate action against the godman and refused to budge from the place.
It was virtual war out there as police lobbed teargas shells at the protestors, who in turn pelted stones at the men in khaki. Around 10 police personnel and a couple of mediapersons were injured in the incident. Section 144 was imposed on the entire stretch from Tinimuhani Square to the Sarathi Ashram in Barimula, Duhuria Square to DPO, Tinimuhani to Bazar area, and also 500 meters from all the district level Government offices from 10 am to 10 pm, said district Collector Debraj Senapati. Police even attacked those who had raised hands above the shoulders as a sign of surrender. SP Satish Gajbhiye was a silent spectator as his men went berserk. Police arrested Kendrapada district BJP president Duryodhan Sahu, who happens to be a lawyer by profession. In turn, the lawyers also detained five police personnel inside CSI court.
later, they were released following the intervention of the District Judge. Policemen were seen threatening reporters recording the incident. Even a former office-bearer of the Kendrapada Bar Association was made to do sit-ups at the Tinimuhani Square.
Civil rights groups, including Odisha Durneeti Sangharsh Mahasangha, and activist Akhand, condemned the arrest of women’s rights activist Mamata Samantray. A six-member team of the Crime Branch arrived at the Baba’s Barimula ashram and held discussion with the district Collector. Bajrang Dal activists along with local youths blocked road at various places in the township and also at Dhuria along the NH-5 (A) by burning tyres and effigy of the Baba.
Most of the business establishments were closed after tension erupted in the town. About 26 persons were arrested by the police for creating law and order situation and pelting stone at police personnel, said police sources.
According to district Collector Senapati, more than 17 platoons of police personnel have been deployed along with Executive Magistrates to maintain vigil.
A Congress team led by PCC president Prasad Harichandan and also a BJP team led by Bijay Mohapatra visited the district and met the district Collector.
According to sources, wife of arrested Duryodhan Sahu’s nephew on Friday died with cardiac arrest after she came to know that her uncle was assaulted by police.