Bhubaneswar, August 22: The Commissionerate Police has made a major breakthrough in the Master Canteen violence case by arresting Dinabandhu Nayak, president of the Online Auto Association. Nayak, who had been absconding since the incident, was reportedly apprehended from Puri.
The police allege that Nayak played a key role in leading the violence during the auto drivers’ protest at Master Canteen Square. Before his arrest, he had released a 14-minute video message on social media, apologising to the public for the incident. He expressed regret over the violence and claimed that the protest was not politically motivated. He also said that the drivers had taken to the streets to press for their demands and rights.
The police have intensified their crackdown following the violence. So far, 113 people have been arrested and forwarded to court, while seven FIRs have been registered at Kharavela Nagar Police Station.
As part of the enforcement drive, the police have seized 380 vehicles allegedly linked to violations. Of these, 181 e-challans were issued for offences including the absence of valid PUCC, insurance, fitness certificates and other mandatory documents.
In addition, 325 vehicle owners/drivers have been served show-cause notices for allegedly violating permit conditions.
The police said e-challans have been issued against all 380 seized vehicles under Section 201 of the Motor Vehicles Act.
Meanwhile, the office of the taxi association allegedly linked to the violence was demolished using a bulldozer as authorities continued their action against those accused of involvement in the unrest.
