Odisha Transport Department Moves to Cancel Permits of Vehicles Linked to Bhubaneswar Violence

Bhubaneswar: The Odisha Transport Department has launched strict action against app-based cab and auto-rickshaw operators whose vehicles were allegedly involved in violence and vandalism during recent disturbances in Bhubaneswar.

Additional Transport Commissioner Samarendra Patnaik said the department has begun proceedings to cancel the permits of vehicles identified in connection with the incidents. Around 400 vehicles have so far been identified, and action has been initiated against them, he said.

Authorities are also examining the possibility of cancelling the registration certificates (RCs) of the vehicles found to have been involved. The department plans to ensure that such vehicles are not permitted to operate anywhere in Odisha in the future.

The Transport Department is further considering action against the driving licences of drivers allegedly involved in the violence. Patnaik said licences could be cancelled if the required approval is obtained.

The crackdown follows incidents of alleged disorder, attacks on police personnel and damage to public property during the unrest in the state capital.

Meanwhile, the Comprehensive Region Urban Transport (CRUT) reported that more than 15 Ama Buses were vandalised during the violence. Several buses suffered damage to their glass panels, including windshields, along with other components.

CRUT has estimated the repair cost at around ₹10 lakh. The agency condemned the damage, stating that vandalism of public transport vehicles not only results in losses to public property but also disrupts daily commuting for passengers.

CRUT has urged the Odisha Police to take appropriate action against those responsible for damaging the buses.

The transport agency also appealed to citizens who witnessed the incidents or recorded photographs and videos to share the material publicly and, where possible, submit the evidence to police and other concerned authorities to assist in identifying those involved.