Bhubaneswar, Oct 14: Normal life in Bhubaneswar was disrupted on Tuesday after members of the Smart City Online Auto Drivers’ Association launched a strike, halting all online auto services across the Capital City. The protest was triggered by the arrest of an allegedly innocent driver, whom police detained in connection with an assault case involving offline auto drivers.

The agitating drivers gheraoed the Capital Police Station, demanding the release of the arrested driver and strict action against the actual offenders. The demonstration caused massive traffic congestion on the Rajmahal–AG Square stretch, as hundreds of autos were parked near the police station. Commuters faced serious inconvenience due to the suspension of online services, with many struggling to find alternative transport.

According to reports, the dispute began on June 6, when an online auto driver was allegedly assaulted by members of the Station Auto Drivers’ Association near the Railway Station area. While police have arrested several individuals from both sides, the online drivers claim the main culprits remain at large. Police officials were negotiating with the protesters till late in the evening, though the matter remained unresolved.

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