BALANGIR: The bandh called by lawyers in Titlagarh and Patnagarh sub-divisions on Tuesday evoked spontaneous response with all Government offices, educational institutions, banks and shops remaining closed.
Police forces were deployed in Titlagarh, Patnagarh, Khaprakhol, Muribahal, Bangomunda, Belpara and Sindhekela to maintain law and order. No untoward incident was reported from anywhere during the day. Though vehicles went off the road, private and OSRTC buses plied as usual. The lawyers have been opposing the transfer of SC and ST cases from the two sub-divisions to the special court set up at Balangir district headquarters with an aim to expedite delivery of justice last month.
President of Patnagarh Bar Association Srimat Panigrahi said, “We are not opposing the establishment of the special court but are demanding exclusion of Patnagarh and Titlagarh from the court’s jurisdiction. Justice should be available at doorsteps of the aggrieved party.”