Bees attack Youth Congress activists during protest in Bhubaneswar

Last update:December 16, 2024, 5:15 p.m. IST

After some time, as the bees moved away, the young Congress activists resumed their protest and engaged in a scuffle with the police when they staged a march towards Sethi’s house.

Several members of the Congress’s youth wing were seen fleeing in panic to escape an attack by a swarm of bees (Image: X)

Several members of the Congress’s youth wing were seen fleeing in panic to escape an attack by a swarm of bees during a protest here on Monday.

Holding party flags and banners, young Congress activists took out a protest march at Gherao, the residence of senior IAS officer Bishnupada Sethi, here over his alleged involvement in a corruption case, which is being investigated by the Central Bureau of Investigation (CBI).

Notably, on December 10, the CBI summoned Sethi, the principal secretary of the Department of Development, Protection of Minorities and Backward Classes of ST&SC in connection with a Rs 10 lakh corruption case. Sethi also holds the additional charge of Principal Secretary, Department of Social Security and Empowerment of Persons with Disabilities.

The CBI has arrested three persons, including Chanchal Mukherjee, group managing director of Bridge and Roof Construction Company Ltd, Bhubaneswar in this case.

When the young Congress activists reached near Sethi’s house, suddenly a swarm of bees started attacking them. The agitators began to run pell-mell to protect themselves. Some protesters were seen covering themselves with banners they had brought for the agitation.

Police officers and journalists deployed to cover the Youth Congress protest also faced the bee attack. Many of them lay down on the ground, covering their faces to protect themselves from the bees.

After some time, as the bees moved away, the young Congress activists resumed their protest and engaged in a scuffle with the police when they staged a march towards Sethi’s house.

As the police stopped them midway, the young Congress members threw eggs and tomatoes at the IAS official’s house. The police arrested several demonstrators.

“Sethi has been involved in several corrupt practices. We demand his immediate arrest,” said Ranjit Patra, president of the state Youth Congress.

Earlier, Congress activists staged a protest outside the residence of SC Development Minister, ST, Nityananda Gond, alleging that a blacklisted contractor had been hired by the department.

“Minister Gond should be subjected to CBI investigation. Otherwise, we will intensify our protests,” a Congress leader said.

(This story has not been edited by News18 staff and is published from a syndicated news agency feed – PTI)

Location :

Bhubaneswar, India