Nabarangpur: Thousands of women belonging to the District Nari Mahasangha staged a protest outside the sub-collector’s office in Nabarangpur, demanding the immediate release of their adviser and anti-liquor activist Rajesh Jani.
Carrying sticks and raising slogans, the protesters Tuesday surrounded the office from noon, expressing strong resentment over Jani’s arrest.
They warned that the agitation would continue until he was released from jail. Jani, who had been leading the anti-liquor movement in the district, was served notices under Section 129 of the Bharatiya Nagarik Suraksha Sanhita (BNSS) over apprehensions that he could disturb public peace.
Despite three notices, he reportedly failed to respond. An arrest warrant was subsequently issued against him October 27. Tentulikhunti police detained him Monday evening, and produced him before the sub-collector. He was arrested and sent to jail after refusing to sign a bond undertaking that he would maintain peace. His arrest triggered widespread resentment among members of the Nari Mahasangha, who continued their sit-in despite cloudy skies and light rain.
Police personnel reached the spot and attempted to pacify the protesters. Several political leaders extended support to the agitation, including Congress district president Dr Lipika Majhi, Anam Dian, senior BJD leader and former MP Pradeep Kumar Majhi, and Zilla Parishad member Arun Mishra. Nari Mahasangha president Draupadi Bagh, adviser Banamala Nag, secretary Parbati Durua and other office-bearers were also present. The protesters reiterated that they would not withdraw their agitation until Jani’s release.
