Bhubaneswar, 21 March (H.S.): Tension gripped parts of Bhubaneswar late Friday night after a group of suspended youth and student leaders of the Biju Janata Dal (BJD) allegedly created a disturbance outside the residence of senior party leader Pratap Jena.

The incident occurred just hours after the party suspended several leaders on charges of anti-party activities. According to eyewitnesses, a group assembled outside Jena’s residence, burst firecrackers, and raised slogans, creating a chaotic atmosphere in the locality.

The situation reportedly escalated when Jena’s family members objected to the commotion, leading to a confrontation. Unconfirmed reports also suggest that some individuals may have been assaulted during the altercation.

Earlier in the day, the BJD had suspended three youth leaders and seven student leaders, issuing an official notice under Jena’s signature citing disciplinary violations. The late-night unrest is being viewed as a fallout of this action.

Jena later shared a video of the incident on social media, calling for strict action against those involved. In his statement, he alleged that “15 to 20 intoxicated miscreants forcibly entered” his residence and threatened security personnel at gunpoint. He described the episode as “not merely an attack, but an act of armed terror,” adding that his family members were inside the house at the time.

Jena has urged the Odisha Chief Minister to intervene and ensure swift action to maintain law and order.

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Hindusthan Samachar / Monalisa Panda