Bhubaneswar, Aug 19: More than 35 people were detained and several vehicles seized on Wednesday as a protest by cab, auto-rickshaw and bike drivers entered its third day, disrupting traffic movement at several locations in Bhubaneswar, particularly around Master Canteen Square.

The protesting drivers, associated with app-based ride-hailing platforms, gathered along Mahatma Gandhi Marg and intensified their agitation over a seven-point charter of demands. Hundreds of cabs, auto-rickshaws and bikes were parked along the road as protesters raised slogans and staged demonstrations.

The blockade near Master Canteen Square caused significant inconvenience to commuters, prompting police to deploy additional personnel and introduce traffic diversions at Vani Vihar, Rajmahal Square and Ram Mandir Square.

Bhubaneswar DCP Jagmohan Meena said the situation was brought under control after police cleared the roads on both sides of Master Canteen Square. He said more than 35 protesters were detained, with some arrested and forwarded to court. Vehicles found parked along Mahatma Gandhi Marg were also seized.

According to police, the protesters had permission to demonstrate at Lower PMG for one day, which ended on August 17, but returned on Wednesday and blocked the road near Master Canteen Square.

Police said cases were registered under the Prevention of Damage to Public Property (PDPP) Act wherever applicable.

The agitation has also disrupted app-based transport services across the city, leaving commuters facing difficulties in accessing affordable and convenient transportation.

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