Bhubaneswar, August 19: A protest by online cab and bike-taxi drivers in Bhubaneswar turned violent on Wednesday after demonstrators clashed with police during the third consecutive day of their agitation.

More than 14 police personnel were reportedly injured in the scuffle. In this connection, more than 30 persons have been detained, said Bhubaneswar DCP Jaga Mohan Meen.

The confrontation took place in the Master Canteen area, where drivers from ride-hailing platforms such as Ola, Uber, and Rapido allegedly blocked roads with their vehicles, bringing traffic to a halt.

Police personnel intervened to clear the roads and restore traffic, but the protesting drivers resisted, leading to a heated confrontation that escalated into a scuffle. Police later resorted to a lathi charge to bring the situation under control.

The agitation by online taxi and bike-taxi drivers has entered its third day, affecting normal traffic movement in both Bhubaneswar and Cuttack. Commuters faced severe inconvenience, with major traffic congestion reported along the stretch from Bhubaneswar Railway Station to the airport.

The protesting drivers have parked autos and cars on roads and are demanding the fulfilment of their seven-point charter of demands. The agitation has continued to disrupt daily commuting as authorities work to restore normal traffic movement.