Bhubaneswar witnessed dramatic scenes of unrest on Wednesday as the third day of an agitation by online auto and taxi drivers escalated into widespread violence near Master Canteen Square. What began as a demand for higher passenger fares quickly transformed a busy city junction into a battleground, with protesters pelting stones, damaging vehicles, and clashing with police.
Members of the Online Drivers’ Joint Forum, representing drivers from Ola, Uber, and Rapido, had blocked major roads, parking vehicles across thoroughfares and bringing traffic to a near standstill from the railway station to the airport. Commuters, including passengers arriving by train and flight, were forced to walk 1.5–2 km amid the chaos. Police attempts to reason with the crowd failed, and the situation rapidly deteriorated.
Protesters allegedly hurled stones and bricks at police personnel and damaged more than 14 city buses, some of which were carrying patients. In response, police resorted to a lathi charge. Several drivers sustained injuries, while at least five policemen—including Capital Police Station officer Radhakanta Sahu and Home Guard Trailokya Kumar Sahu—were also hurt in the stone-pelting.
Commissionerate Police swung into action. Over 100 protesters were arrested, and more than 400 autos, cars, and bikes were seized. Capital Police Station has registered a case. Bhubaneswar DCP Jagamohan Meena stated that the arrested individuals would be produced in court by night or on Thursday after completing legal formalities. He confirmed that proceedings have begun to cancel the permits and registration certificates of the seized vehicles.
Additional Transport Commissioner Samarendra Pattanaik announced that registration and permits of nearly 400 booked vehicles would be cancelled, with further action against the drivers.
Transport Minister Bibhuti Bhusan Jena alleged that a specific group was instigating the drivers, noting that earlier discussions had taken place and the government had proposed fixed rate charts to address overcharging complaints. He insisted the sudden turn to violence appeared provoked, while affirming the government’s willingness to hold talks for a resolution.
Urban Development Minister Krushna Chandra Mahapatra added that new guidelines are being prepared to regulate cab driver conduct.
The violent protest has drawn public condemnation, with many calling for strict action against those who attacked police and destroyed public property. Normal traffic and online cab services remained severely disrupted for hours, leaving thousands of daily commuters stranded.
Authorities have appealed for calm while promising both firm law-and-order measures and continued dialogue to address genuine grievances of the drivers.
