Odisha police body threatens agitation

The Odisha Havildar, Constable and Sepoy Confederation on Thursday threatened of launching an agitation, if the state government failed to take action in an incident relating to alleged assault of two police personnel by some advocates.

Confederation President Santosh Satpathy told reporters that two of their colleagues, who were escorting the state's Advocate General inside the high court on Monday, were assaulted by a few advocates.

"Although, written complaints were made at the local police station, no action has been taken. We are giving 48 hours to the state government and if nothing happens, we will be forced to resort to the agitation path," he said.

"We may resort to cease-work agitation and stage silent protests throughout the state and if required, we shall withdraw from security services as well," Satpathy said.

Lawyers in Odisha have been agitating since August 29, demanding the arrest of two policemen, who had allegedly assaulted a Cuttack-based lawyer on August 28.

In a joint meeting held here on Thursday, executive members of over 100 bar associations of the state expressed unanimous support to the High Court Bar Association, and announced that they will abide by whatever decision it will take with regard to the ongoing strike.

-PTI