Bhubaneswar, Dec 20: Tension gripped the area near the official residence of Odisha Chief Minister Mohan Charan Majhi on Saturday after activists of the Odisha Youth Congress clashed with police while attempting to gherao the Chief Minister’s house. According to a senior police officer, the situation worsened when some protesters allegedly hurled eggs at security personnel during the agitation.

The protest march, led by Odisha Youth Congress president Ranjit Patra, was taken out along the AG Square–Raj Bhavan road to protest the alleged gang rape of a minor girl near Dhauli hills on December 10. The victim, a 17-year-old college student, was reportedly assaulted by a group of men at the popular tourist destination on the outskirts of Bhubaneswar, triggering widespread outrage.

Carrying placards and banners, the demonstrators raised slogans accusing the state government of failing to ensure the safety and security of women and girls. When police stopped the march midway citing security concerns around the Chief Minister’s residence, the protest turned tense and chaotic.

Police detained several Youth Congress activists and dispersed the crowd to prevent further escalation. No injuries were reported. The protesters demanded the resignation of Chief Minister Majhi, alleging a deterioration in law and order. Youth Congress leader Syed Yashir Nawaz claimed incidents of sexual violence had increased under the BJP-led government.

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