Thousands of women protest arrest of anti-liquor leader in Odisha
Protesters in Nabarangpur town marched to the sub-collector's office demanding the immediate release of CPI(M) leader Rajesh Jani.
Thousands of women marched through Nabarangpur town on Tuesday to protest the arrest of CPI(M) leader Rajesh Jani, according to The New Indian Express. The protesters, carrying sticks and batons, surrounded the sub-collector's office to demand Jani's unconditional release from jail.
Jani, who serves as the advisor to the Nabarangpur Nari Mahasangha, has been leading an anti-liquor movement in the district. He has also previously led agitations regarding district-based employment and a proposed nuclear power plant in the region.
Sub-collector Prakash Kumar Mishra stated that a notice was first issued to Jani under section 129 of the Bharatiya Nagarik Suraksha Sanhita (BNSS). Mishra said that after three consecutive notices received no response, a warrant was issued on October 27.
Tentulikhunti police detained Jani on Monday evening. The sub-collector explained that Jani was formally arrested and remanded to judicial custody after he declined to sign a peace bond undertaking to maintain public order.
The administration stated that the action against the CPI(M) leader follows the legal framework and that Jani will be released once he complies with court directives and signs the peace bond. A large police contingent arrived at the scene to pacify the women, who declared their agitation would continue until Jani is released.