A clash broke out between Biju Janata Dal (BJD) protesters and police in Bhubaneswar as they attempted to surround Lok Seva Bhavan, demanding justice for Soumyashree Bisi, a student of FM Autonomous College in Balasore who died after setting herself ablaze over alleged harassment. Thousands of BJD workers, leaders, MLAs, and women workers gathered at Master Canteen Chowk before marching towards Lok Seva Bhavan.
Reportedly, the protesters reached Lower PMG via Gandhi Marg, where a scuffle broke out while trying to break the first barricade. Police used water cannons and tear gas to disperse the agitators after they breached the barricade.
Hundreds of BJD workers were detained, and several leaders, including former Ministers Pritiranjan Ghadai and Pranab Prakash Das, sustained injuries during the scuffle.
The Lok Seva Bhavan and Assembly were kept under tight security, with four drones monitoring the protest.