Bhubaneswar, October 8: A major scuffle broke out between Odisha bandh protesters and police in Bhadrak on Thursday after INDIA bloc workers blocked National Highway 16 as part of the statewide shutdown. Police detained one protester following the incident, officials said.

Bhadrak Additional SP Anshuman Dwivedi said the altercation occurred after a protester allegedly grabbed the collar of a policeman, identified as the City DSP, while he was on duty.

“There was a minor scuffle. We are talking to them,” Dwivedi said, adding that the protester was taken to the police station after allegedly grabbing the officer.

However, protesters gave a different account, claiming the demonstration was peaceful until a man allegedly attempted to drive his vehicle through the protesters. They said the man shoved a protester when he was stopped and questioned about the bandh, following which police took their colleague to the station.

The INDIA bloc is observing a statewide bandh in Odisha on Thursday, demanding withdrawal of the Mines and Minerals (Development and Regulation) Amendment Act, 2026, and the resignation of State Education Minister Nityanand Gond and Chief Election Commissioner Gyanesh Kumar.