Puri Bandh Brings District to a Halt Over Balanga Case Protest

Puri: Normal life was disrupted across several parts of Puri district today as the Biju Janata Dal (BJD) observed a six-hour bandh, demanding justice in the Balanga case and alleging pressure on the victim’s family by ruling party leaders.

The bandh, which lasted from 6 AM to 12 noon, saw widespread protests led by BJD workers, who staged road blockades, burnt tyres, and raised slogans at key intersections throughout the district. The agitation was spearheaded by former Pipili MLA Rudra Pratap Maharathy.

As part of the protest, National Highway-316 and local markets in Pipili were blocked. Major disruption was also reported at Pipili Toll Plaza, Uttara Square, Mangalpur Market, and Satashankha Market, where demonstrators created barricades by burning tyres and stopping traffic.

The bandh had a significant impact on daily life. Shops, offices, markets, and public transport services remained shut during the morning hours, with major roads in Puri town appearing deserted.

In the Nimapada region, BJD leaders carried out road blockades in Balanga, Haripur, Bamanala, and other key junctions, intensifying the protest.

The BJD accused leaders from the ruling party of pressuring the victim’s family to alter their statements, demanding immediate action and transparency in the ongoing investigation.