Bhubaneswar, July 16: Senior BJD leaders Pranab Prakash Das (alias Bobby Das) and Pritiranjan Gharai were injured and hospitalised during a massive protest near Lok Seva Bhawan in Bhubaneswar. 

The demonstration, led by BJD workers, was staged in response to the tragic death of Fakir Mohan College student Soumyashree Bisi, who died after a self-immolation attempt in protest against alleged harassment and inaction by authorities.

Chaos erupted when hundreds of BJD activists tried to breach police barricades at Lower PMG Square. In an attempt to control the crowd, police resorted to water cannons and tear gas. During the scuffle, a tear gas shell struck Bobby Das’s leg, seriously injuring him. He was rushed to Apollo Hospital and is currently in the ICU. Pritiranjan Gharai is being treated at Capital Hospital.

BJD women's leader Sulata Deo also sustained injuries in the clash, along with several other party leaders including Sunil Mohanty, Biswa Mallik, Jitu Balabantray, and Sanjeev Mallik. Over 100 party workers were detained.

The protesters are demanding ₹2 crore compensation for the victim’s family and the resignation of Chief Minister Mohan Charan Majhi and Higher Education Minister Suryabanshi Suraj.

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