Bhubaneswar, 16 July (H.S.) A day after the Biju Janata Dal (BJD) staged an intense protest in Bhubaneswar demanding justice for the deceased Fakir Mohan Autonomous College student, the Twin City Commissionerate Police clarified that no rubber bullets were used to disperse demonstrators.

Addressing the media, Police Commissioner S. Dev Datta Singh stated that the situation near Lower PMG Square, where the protest turned confrontational, was brought under control through water cannons, five rounds of tear gas, and a restrained, proportionate use of force.

The demonstration, aimed at gheraoing Lok Seva Bhawan, escalated when BJD workers breached two layers of police barricades, prompting a rapid security response.

“Lok Seva Bhawan is a public institution, not owned by any party. It represents the government, and its security is of utmost importance. While we respect the democratic right to protest, our duty is to ensure peace and order,” said Commissioner Singh.

He emphasized that the police exercised measured action to prevent further escalation. “I want to make it absolutely clear—no rubber bullets were fired during the protest. The situation was managed using standard crowd-control measures such as water cannons and tear gas, along with limited tactical dispersal,” he noted.

Commissioner Singh also revealed that the protest site was under constant surveillance using AI-enabled cameras and drones to monitor crowd movement and ensure accountability. “Every activity was recorded for legal and administrative review,” he added.

More than 100 BJD workers were detained following the clashes, while senior leaders including Pranab Prakash Das, Pritiranjan Ghadei, Bobby Das, and Dani Ghadei reportedly sustained minor injuries during scuffles with security personnel.

The police have reassured the public that law and order will be maintained in view of the upcoming Odisha Bandh, with preventive measures and adequate deployment in place.

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Hindusthan Samachar / Monalisa Panda