Bhubaneswar, Jan 6: Widespread disruptions to normal life have occurred across the entire state as commercial vehicles and buses remain off the roads due to protests by drivers against the new hit-and-run law under Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita.

Drivers, organized under the Odisha Driver Mahasangh, have initiated sit-ins (dharna) at block and district headquarters throughout the state. Major bus terminals, including Cuttack Netaji bus terminal, Balasore, Sambalpur, Dhenkanl, Jajpur, Koraput, Berhampur, and various other locations, present a deserted appearance as drivers participate in the protests.

The impact of the agitation extends to the suspension of goods-carrying vehicles on the roads. The drivers' body asserts that the strike call is not mandatory for any driver, emphasizing it as an open invitation to all members of the fraternity for a greater cause.

The Mahasangh has urged drivers to conduct their protests peacefully. In a video message, Mahasangh president Prashant Menduli appealed to drivers, stating, "I appeal to all our brothers to stage dharna at block headquarters in a peaceful manner. All our brothers should follow the instructions of their respective block-level leaders. I also request all the driver brothers not to join the dharna in an inebriated condition. If any driver is found driving a vehicle, we should not misbehave with him; rather, we should apprise him politely."

The new hit-and-run law, introduced under Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita, aims to reduce road accidents and related fatalities nationwide. The law imposes stricter penalties for hit-and-run cases, including up to 10 years of imprisonment and a fine of Rs 7 lakh.

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