Bhubaneswar DCP Jagmohan Meena has warned of strict legal action against online cab and auto drivers following violence during their ongoing protest in the city. Police said vehicles involved in damaging public property will be seized, while protesters accused of violence will be arrested and produced before court.

The online cab and auto drivers have been protesting for the past three days, with several drivers leaving their vehicles on the roads and staging demonstrations at Master Canteen and Lower PMG. The agitation has caused traffic disruptions and inconvenience to commuters.

Speaking about the violence, DCP Jagmohan Meena alleged that some online vehicle drivers have previously been involved in unlawful activities. He referred to alleged incidents involving security guards at Capital Hospital and disputes at the airport.

The DCP said police had requested the protesters for nearly an hour to shift their demonstration to Lower PMG. However, tensions escalated when police attempted to remove them from Master Canteen.

More than 50 protesters have been detained, and the DCP said they would be arrested based on the investigation.

According to the police, the Capital Police Station IIC was injured after protesters allegedly hurled stones. Other police personnel also reportedly sustained injuries. Police further alleged that an AM Bus was vandalised during the clash.

The police have identified vehicles parked by protesters at Lower PMG and said all vehicles found to have been involved in damaging public property would be seized.

The DCP also said that ordinary commuters had allegedly faced harassment during the protest. Police may register cases against the protesters on their own, while members of the public can also file complaints. Strict action will be taken based on the allegations and evidence, he said.

Stone Pelting and Lathi Charge

Tension escalated at Master Canteen as protesting online cab and auto drivers clashed with police. Protesters allegedly hurled stones at the police, following which police resorted to a lathi charge to disperse the crowd.

The protesters had parked vehicles on the road, leading to traffic congestion in the area. Several AM Buses were reportedly stranded on the Ram Mandir-Bani Vihar route following the disruption.

Police said further action would be taken against those found responsible for violence, vandalism and obstruction of public roads.

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