Bhubaneswar, 20 December (H.S.): The Odisha Pradesh Youth Congress staged a protest on Saturday over the alleged deterioration of the law and order situation in the State, gheraoing the official residence of the Chief Minister in Bhubaneswar. The demonstration was led by Pradesh Youth Congress President Ranjit Patra.

Addressing the protesters, Patra alleged that Chief Minister Mohan Majhi had failed to effectively manage the Home Department, leading to a sharp rise in crime across the State, particularly crimes against women. He said women’s safety in Odisha had reached a critical stage and accused the government of failing to take adequate corrective measures.

Youth Congress leaders raised concerns over increasing incidents of crimes against women, inadequate security at tourist destinations, and the lack of stringent action against offenders. As part of the protest, a symbolic effigy of the Chief Minister was also burnt.

The protest witnessed a brief confrontation between police personnel and Youth Congress workers outside the Chief Minister’s residence, lasting nearly an hour. Police later detained several protesters and removed them from the site to restore order.

Several senior leaders and members of the Youth Congress participated in the demonstration.

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Hindusthan Samachar / Monalisa Panda