Bhubaneswar, 23 September (H.S.): The Akhil Bharatiya Vidyarthi Parishad (ABVP) has strongly condemned what it described as an alleged atmosphere of intimidation and deterioration of law and order in the Odisha capital, and demanded the immediate arrest of Congress leaders allegedly involved in incidents of intimidation and firing.

In a statement, ABVP national executive member Biswajit Patra alleged that serious criminal incidents, including brandishing firearms, threatening people and firing, had taken place in the capital city. He demanded that all those allegedly involved be arrested without delay.

According to Patra, former president of the Chhatra Congress, former Congress candidate from the Bhubaneswar Lok Sabha constituency and Odisha Pradesh Congress Committee general secretary Yasir Nawaz, along with his associates, allegedly assaulted and intimidated a young man and were involved in an incident of firing.

The ABVP alleged that the incident occurred in the backdrop of an internal dispute within the Congress. It further claimed that CCTV footage relating to the incident was available and questioned why the Commissionerate Police had not taken prompt action against the alleged accused.

The student organisation also questioned whether any external pressure was preventing the arrest of those allegedly involved despite the availability of evidence. It sought clarification on who was allegedly encouraging or supporting such acts of intimidation in the capital.

The ABVP reiterated its demand for the immediate arrest of all accused persons allegedly connected with the incident, stating that ensuring the safety and security of the people of Bhubaneswar should remain the priority of the authorities.

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Hindusthan Samachar / Monalisa Panda