Bhubaneswar, Nov 18: A 12-hour bandh called by the Vishwa Hindu Parishad (VHP) brought Keonjhar district to a standstill on Tuesday. The shutdown, which began early in the morning, is being observed in protest against the sexual assault of a differently-abled minor girl in the Sadar police station area. The incident, reported on November 15, has triggered widespread outrage among locals and social organisations.

As part of the bandh, protestors blocked major roads across the district, severely disrupting vehicular movement. Long queues of stranded buses, trucks, and private vehicles were seen along key highways, causing inconvenience to commuters and transporters. Most markets, shops, and business establishments remained closed, reflecting the impact of the shutdown. However, essential services, including medical facilities, emergency transport, and pharmacies, have been exempted from the bandh to ensure no disruption in critical support.

The victim, a disabled minor girl, is currently undergoing treatment at the Keonjhar District Hospital. Police have arrested a Bangladeshi national in connection with the crime, and the investigation is underway. The VHP has demanded strict action and speedy justice, urging authorities to ensure the safety of women and vulnerable groups in the region.

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