Students detained during CM visit; BJD MLA’s ‘human bomb’ comment sparks row

The MLA later apologised for his remark. Mishra said, “I had no intention of speaking about the students of Rama Devi University... I express regret, if anyone has been hurt over my statement.”

A remark by a ruling Biju Janata Dal (BJD) MLA allegedly equating students from a women’s university in Bhubaneswar to “human bombs” has triggered a huge controversy in Odisha.

Two days ago, some students, mostly NSUI supporters, of Rama Devi Women’s University were allegedly detained in a room during Chief Minister Naveen Patnaik’s visit to the campus, as the police were reportedly apprehensive of eggs being thrown at the CM.

As the opposition leaders demanded an apology from the CM over the detention of the students, BJD MLA from Bhubaneswar Priyadarshi Mishra justified the police move and said, “Back in 1991, some of the women blew up the then Prime Minister Rajiv Gandhi just like this. Usually, special attention is paid towards the security aspects during VVIP meetings. The CM has nothing to do with the happenings.”

The MLA later apologised for his remark. Mishra said, “I had no intention of speaking about the students of Rama Devi University… I express regret, if anyone has been hurt over my statement.”

Meanwhile, the students have lodged a complaint with the Odisha Human Rights Commission alleging that the police did not allow them to enter the campus.

Parliamentary Affairs Minister Bikram Arukh denied confinement of any girl student.

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