Archive · 21 Aug 2026
Odisha Moves to Cancel 400 Permits After Violent Protest
App-based cab and bike drivers were protesting in Bhubaneswar.
On Wednesday, some protesters blocked a busy road with auto-rickshaws.
Police said the protest became violent, with stones thrown and public buses damaged.
Police used a mild baton charge to control the situation.
The Transport department says vehicles used for illegal activities may break the conditions of their permits.
It has started a process that could suspend or cancel permits for about 400 autos.
Owners can explain what happened at a hearing before a final decision is made.
Police have arrested 113 people and registered seven cases.
The Odisha Transport department began proceedings to suspend or cancel permits for around 400 auto-rickshaws allegedly used to block roads during a Bhubaneswar protest.
The protest turned violent at Master Canteen Square on Wednesday, with police reporting stone-pelting and damage to public buses and other government property.
Authorities identified the vehicles using police records, CCTV footage and seizure lists; police separately said 354 auto-rickshaws were seized.
The Bhubaneswar-I RTO issued show-cause notices requiring owners to explain who controlled the vehicles and whether they were used with permission or knowledge.
Police said 113 protesters were arrested and sent to court, 60 online cab drivers were released on bonds, and seven cases were registered.
- Who
- The Odisha Transport department, Bhubaneswar-I RTO, Commissionerate Police, auto-rickshaw owners and app-based cab and bike drivers.
- What
- Authorities began proceedings to suspend or cancel permits for around 400 auto-rickshaws allegedly used in a protest road blockade, while police pursued criminal cases.
- When
- The violent incident occurred on Wednesday; the Transport department announced the permit action and police arrest figures on Thursday.
- Where
- Master Canteen Square and the Kharavel Nagar Police Station area in Bhubaneswar, Odisha.
- Why
- Authorities said the vehicles were allegedly used to obstruct roads and that the protest involved stone-pelting, vandalism and damage to public property, violating permit conditions.
Transport Authorities and Police
Protesters and Vehicle Owners
Use of vehicles during protest
Transport Authorities and Police
Authorities allege that auto-rickshaws were used to block roads and in an incident involving violence and property damage, which they say violated permit conditions.
Protesters and Vehicle Owners
Vehicle owners have been given an opportunity to explain who controlled the autos and whether they were used with the owners’ permission, direction or knowledge.
Government response
Transport Authorities and Police
The Transport department is pursuing permit action, while police have made arrests and warned that strong action will follow against people taking the law into their own hands.
Protesters and Vehicle Owners
App-based cab drivers and bike riders had been protesting in Bhubaneswar over several demands, although the articles do not specify the protesters’ detailed position on the enforcement action.
- Vehicles targeted
- Around 400 auto-rickshaw permits are subject to suspension or cancellation proceedings.
- Legal basis
- Proceedings were initiated under Section 86(1)(b) of the Motor Vehicles Act, 1988.
- Vehicles seized
- Police said 354 auto-rickshaws involved in the protest were seized; an official account also referred to more than 400 identified and seized vehicles.
- Arrests
- Commissionerate Police said 113 protesters had been arrested and forwarded to court.
- Releases
- Sixty protesting online cab service drivers were released on bonds of good behaviour.
- Police cases
- Seven cases were registered at Kharavel Nagar Police Station.
- Owner response
- Registered owners and permit holders must submit written explanations and attend personal hearings before the RTO.