Udala: Passenger bus services came to a standstill in Odisha’s Mayurbhanj district on Sunday after the Udala Motor Workers’ Association launched an indefinite strike, alleging police inaction in the assault case involving bus conductor Rabindra Parichha.
The association announced the shutdown during a press conference on Saturday, expressing dissatisfaction over what it described as a delay in taking action against those responsible for the attack. Association secretary Harish Chandra Das alleged that two suspects had previously been detained by police but were later released without any legal action.
Following the strike call, all passenger bus operations from Udala were suspended from Sunday morning, causing significant inconvenience to commuters and disrupting transportation services in the region.
Amid growing pressure from transport workers, Udala police conducted raids and arrested four persons allegedly involved in the assault on the conductor. The accused were later taken to Udala Hospital for medical examination before being produced before a court.
Association president Manoranjan Mohanty said the agitation was launched to demand swift justice for the victim and assured that the strike would be withdrawn once the accused are formally produced before the court.
The incident has sparked concern among transport workers, who have demanded strict action against those involved and greater protection for bus staff while on duty.
Police said further investigation into the assault case is underway.
