The law and order situation in Odisha’s capital city took an alarming turn on Wednesday as a minor dispute over vehicle overtaking escalated into a full-blown violent confrontation right in front of the Airport Police Station.
The incident began in the afternoon near Store Chhak when a local youth allegedly assaulted an online auto-rickshaw driver over a road rage issue involving overtaking. The altercation quickly turned violent, leading both parties to approach the police station for resolution.
However, instead of de-escalation, tensions boiled over outside the station itself. The two groups—comprising local youths and auto drivers—clashed again in the presence of police personnel. Eyewitnesses reported that members from both sides wielded dangerous weapons, including swords, iron rods, and other sharp objects, attacking each other fiercely. Several individuals sustained injuries in the melee, with a large crowd gathering at the spot.
As news of the assault spread, more than 200 auto-rickshaw drivers rallied together and laid siege to the Airport Police Station in the evening. They parked their vehicles in front of the station, raised slogans, and demanded the immediate arrest of the local youths involved in the initial attack. The drivers questioned the police’s inaction, accusing them of failing to act despite the assault occurring in broad daylight and continuing right under their watch.
The protest caused massive traffic congestion around the Airport area, severely disrupting commuter movement to and from Biju Patnaik International Airport. Passengers faced significant delays as roads were blocked by the protesting autos.
Police eventually managed to bring the situation under control, but not before the incident highlighted growing concerns over deteriorating law and order in the city. This comes amid recent reports of rising street violence, raising questions about the effectiveness of policing in the capital.
Station authorities have stated that an investigation is underway, and appropriate action will be taken against the culprits.
