Bhubaneswar: Normal life was significantly disrupted in Odisha’s Keonjhar district on November 18 due to a 12-hour shutdown called by the Vishva Hindu Parishad (VHP), which sought strict action against Bangladeshi infiltrators. The bandh, which started at 6 a.m. and lasted until 6 p.m., resulted in widespread closures of shops and institutions, suspended vehicular movement, and increased security measures.
This unrest followed a disturbing incident involving the rape of a 9-year-old tribal girl with a disability in Kendujhar district that emerged on Sunday, inciting outrage within the local community. Following tense confrontations, police arrested the suspect, Asif Anwar Khan. In response to this heinous act, the VHP announced a 12-hour shutdown in Kendujhar on Tuesday to protest such violence and to call for the removal of infiltrators.
The shutdown received strong support in major urban areas such as Keonjhar, Champua, Joda, Barbil, Patna, Ghasipura, and Anandpur, where commercial establishments, markets, and educational institutions remained closed throughout the day. With the exception of essential services, both private and commercial vehicles were off the roads, halting routine activities and causing difficulties for commuters.
From early morning, VHP activists were seen picketing at key intersections, marketplaces, and bus stands, urging traders and residents to keep their businesses closed. Many passengers traveling within and outside the district were stranded due to the near-total suspension of public transport.
The VHP said that the bandh was necessary to bring the government’s attention to the growing presence of Bangladeshi and Rohingya infiltrators, whom they accused of disrupting social harmony and contributing to rising crime in the district.
Tusharkant Samant, the VHP’s Keonjhar district president, reiterated the organisation’s demand for the immediate identification and deportation of such individuals. “We urge the state government to conduct a thorough verification drive and remove infiltrators who are disrupting peace. Their continued presence has created fear among locals,” he stated.
Another protester claimed that women in the region were being harassed by these alleged infiltrators and warned the administration that the agitation would escalate if their demands were ignored.
In light of concerns over potential unrest, the district administration deployed additional police forces across sensitive areas. Security personnel were stationed at major chowks, government offices, and vulnerable locations to prevent any untoward incidents and ensure the safety of residents.
.The VHP has intensified its agitation following the brutal assault on a woman who is currently fighting for her life at the district headquarters hospital. Citing this incident and others, VHP leaders submitted a memorandum to the Keonjhar District Collector, alleging that a series of crimesincluding rape, murder, land grabbing, and drug trafficking have been committed by suspected infiltrators.
The memorandum referenced several recent cases, including the murder of a young woman in Barala Lodge Lane, where the victim’s throat was slit, and the gang rape of a tribal girl in Champua, from which the accused were later released on bail. The VHP claimed that after securing bail, these individuals resumed their criminal activities. They also alleged that the suspected infiltrators were luring local youths into drug addiction through brown sugar and other narcotics while illegally occupying government land.
17 Suspected Bangladeshi Nationals Detained in Bhadrak
In a significant parallel development, Bhadrak police detained 17 individuals on Tuesday who are suspected to be Bangladeshi nationals near the new bus stand in the town. The group, claiming to be residents of Murshidabad district in West Bengal, was intercepted after police found their behavior and conversations suspicious while they were staying at a night shelter.
Police officials stated that the detainees were carrying Aadhaar cards and other identification documents, which are currently under verification to determine their authenticity. Authorities are also examining their backgrounds to ascertain their true identities and to check for any links to unlawful activities or networks.
Bhadrak Superintendent of Police Manoj Rout confirmed the detentions, stating, “We are verifying the documents and antecedents of the individuals. Further action will be taken based on the findings of the investigation.”
These detentions occur amid the Odisha government’s intensified crackdown and enhanced surveillance across districts to curb illegal infiltration. Monitoring has been increased in sensitive areas of Bhadrak as part of efforts to strengthen internal security. Further details are awaited as the verification process progresses.
