Bandh hits life in Balasore

Balasore, Dec 23 (UNI) Life was affected following a dawn-to-dusk bandh here, called by the Opposition Congress, Left and Orissa Gana Parishad to protest the alleged merciless killing of one youth inside the residence of BJP MP Kharavele Swain.

Most of the educational institutions, business establishments, government offices, Banks and post offices remained closed, while vehicles were off the road in support of the bandh call.

Train services were, however, not affected and so also the inter-district bus services.

Even the functioning in the court was also paralysed due to bandh.

No untoward incident was reported from any part during the bandh even as 23 bandh supporters were arrested from various places of the town for obstructing traffic movement and picketing in its support.

Balasore Sadar MLA Arun Dey described the bandh as successful and spontaneous. The general public has responded to the human rights violation, he said.

Mr Dey said there was no need to hand over the incident to any other agencies as the local police had acted promptly and booked the culprits.

Balasore BJP MP Kharavele Swain's brother Amitav Swain and three others were arrested and sent to jail on December 21 last for a fortnight on charges of killing a youth nabbed in a cheating case.

Police said all the four accused allegedly beat up one Sanjaya Saxena on December 20 last, suspecting him to be involved in stealing gold ornaments. He later succumbed to his injuries.

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