App-based cab and bike drivers’ strike turns violent in Odisha’s Bhubaneswar

The ongoing strike by app-based cab drivers and bike riders in Bhubaneswar turned violent on Wednesday as they allegedly threw stones at police personnel and vandalised government-run Ama buses at PMG Square, police said.

Drivers and riders registered with various online ride-hailing platforms began a cease-work protest on August 17, pressing for the fulfilment of their seven-point charter of demands, including a fare hike, reduction in application fees, social security and other benefits.

Hundreds of taxis and bikes took out a rally from Raj Mahal Square and parked their vehicles along Mahatma Gandhi Marg, blocking the road and disrupting traffic movement in the Master Canteen and railway station areas.

When police personnel tried to persuade the protesters to clear the road, the agitators allegedly turned violent and hurled stones at the force deployed at the spot, a police officer said.

Several Ama city buses were also vandalised during the protest, he said.

Some police personnel sustained injuries in the face-off, while several protesters were detained and vehicles seized, the officer said.

Bhubaneswar DCP Jagmohan Meena said police had permitted the protesters to stage a demonstration at Mahatma Gandhi Marg for one day on August 17, but they continued the agitation for another two days.

“They blocked the major city road, causing inconvenience to the public,” Meena said.

“It is a completely illegal protest. We have detained more than 30 people. The vehicles parked on the road will also be seized, and legal action will be taken against them,” he said.

Terming the protesters’ demands as “illogical”, the DCP said, “They staged a protest against private companies. The government has no role to play.” The situation has returned to normal and vehicular movement has resumed, he added.

With a large number of cabs, bikes auto-rickshaws remaining off the roads, passengers and daily commuters dependent on these services were badly affected.