Bhubaneswar, Aug 21: Days after violence erupted at Master Canteen Square in Bhubaneswar during an agitation by auto-rickshaw drivers, Online Auto Association President Dinabandhu Nayak broke his silence and issued an apology to the general public.

In a 14-minute video message, Nayak expressed regret over the incident and the inconvenience caused to commuters and members of the public. He said he was deeply saddened by the disruption and offered an unconditional apology for the incident.

Nayak, however, maintained that there was no political motive behind the protest. He also defended the agitating drivers, stating that they were compelled to resort to agitation as their demands had allegedly remained unaddressed.

The violence has led to significant police action. As many as 113 people have been arrested in connection with the clash and subsequently forwarded to court. Police have also seized 354 vehicles allegedly linked to the incident. Seven FIRs have been registered at Kharavel Nagar Police Station in connection with the violence.

Meanwhile, the Transport Department has issued show-cause notices seeking an explanation on why the permits and registration certificates (RCs) of vehicles operated by the accused owners should not be cancelled.

Nayak has reportedly been absconding since the Master Canteen incident. Police have been conducting raids at several locations in an effort to trace and apprehend him.

The incident has sparked concerns over traffic management, public safety and the manner in which transport-related protests are conducted in the city.

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