BHUBANEWAR: Tension erupted in Bhadrak town, Odisha, after a shopkeeper was seriously injured in a violent attack by Islamists, leading to protests by several Hindu organisations, including the Vishva Hindu Parishad (VHP). The unrest was brought under control following interventions by senior administrative and police officials, along with the local MLA, who assured strict action against those responsible.
The incident occurred in Bhadrak, an area known for sporadic communal tensions. This latest episode has once again raised concerns about law and order, with residents calling for stronger preventive measures to avoid future occurrences.
Incident in a Busy Commercial Area
According to local sources, Apartibandha Chowk near Kacheri Bazaar is one of Bhadrak’s major commercial hubs, where numerous vendors operate roadside stalls. Residents have reported recurring disputes and intimidation among some shopkeepers in the area.
On Wednesday evening, the situation escalated when a fruit vendor was allegedly attacked by Sheikh Qaim, a resident of Mirzasahi, along with a few associates described by locals as antisocial elements. During the incident, Sapan Dey, a coconut vendor from Shankarpur under the Old Bazaar police station limits, attempted to intervene and stop the assault.
The attackers turned on Sapan Dey and assaulted him with a sharp-edged weapon, causing serious injuries to his cheek and near his ear. Hearing his cries, people from nearby shops rushed to the scene and managed to apprehend one of the assailants before informing the police.
A PCR van arrived shortly after, leading to the arrest of the accused along with the weapon allegedly used in the attack. The injured shopkeeper was rushed to Bhadrak District Headquarters Hospital, where doctors confirmed he required eight stitches. He remains under medical care, though his condition is reported to be stable.
Renewed Tension the Next Day
The following day, tensions resurfaced when individuals associated with the main accused returned to the area. According to eyewitnesses, they threatened Tapan Dey, the brother of the injured shopkeeper, who had been running the coconut stall while his brother was hospitalised. They also forcibly disrupted business activities in the area. During this incident, the goods of an elderly coconut vendor, Sasmita Sahu, were discarded, and abusive language was directed at Tapan Dey. Witnesses reported that threats were made, warning vendors to vacate the area or face “serious consequences,” further heightening fear among local traders.
Following this incident, anxiety and anger spread quickly throughout the locality, prompting immediate reactions from various community groups.
Protests and Road Blockade
Upon learning about recent developments, workers and supporters of the Vishva Hindu Parishad and other Hindu organisations gathered at the site. Led by social activists Manas Mahanty, Basanta Raut, and Premananda Sahu, the protesters staged demonstrations and blocked the road, demanding the immediate arrest of all those involved.
The protesters alleged that, despite repeated incidents in the area, no firm action had been taken, which they believe has emboldened miscreants. They also called for disciplinary action against police personnel accused of negligence during the incident on Friday.
Senior Vishva Hindu Parishad Activist Manas Mahanty, speaking to Organiser, stated that some individuals have begun treating Bhadrak city as if it were Pakistan or Bangladesh. “They must not forget that this is India, not an Islamic country. On Thursday evening, these individuals carried out a life-threatening attack on a shopkeeper, who is currently fighting for his life in the hospital. Shockingly, the very next day, they returned and issued threats to people, claiming that the land belongs to them. This will not be tolerated under any circumstances,” he said.
Mahanty further emphasised that Friday’s incident occurred in the presence of the police. “Therefore, strict action must be taken not only against those directly involved but also against the police personnel who stood by and watched without intervening,” he added.
Administrative and Police Intervention
Given the seriousness of the situation, senior officials rushed to the scene. Bhadrak MLA Sitanshu Shekhar Mohapatra, Sub-Collector Sourabh Chakraborty, Tahasildar Sangram Priyadarshi Khuntia, Additional Superintendent of Police Anshuman Dwivedi, and Urban Police Station IIC Prabhashu Mishra held discussions with the protesters.
Officials assured the crowd that legal action would be taken strictly in accordance with the law and that no one involved in the violence would be spared. They also promised to investigate allegations of police negligence and take appropriate action if any lapses were found.
Following these assurances, the protesters withdrew the road blockade, and the situation gradually returned to normal. Police have since deployed additional forces in the area to prevent further escalation and maintain peace.
Public Concern and Demand for Long-Term Measures
The recurring violent incidents have left residents of Bhadrak concerned about safety and stability. Local traders and members of the intelligentsia have expressed that, unless sustained and preventive measures are adopted, tensions could flare up again.
Several citizens have called for stricter regulation of illegal and temporary roadside stalls, clearer demarcation of vending zones, and a permanent police presence in sensitive areas. They argue that proactive governance, rather than reactive measures, is essential to ensure lasting peace in the town.
