Bhubaneswar: The Odisha bandh called by the INDIA bloc witnessed scenes of violence and intimidation in several parts of the state on Thursday, despite assurances by the organisers to observe the shutdown peacefully and without causing inconvenience to the public.

Before the bandh, the INDIA bloc had asked its workers to maintain discipline and conduct the protest in a democratic and peaceful manner. However, incidents reported from Bhubaneswar showed that the instructions were not followed by some protesters.

At Master Canteen Square in Bhubaneswar, several Congress workers intercepted a truck and forced the driver to turn back. Senior Congress leader Suresh Kumar Routray, popularly known as Sura Routray, was also seen hitting the vehicle with a bamboo stick.

Protesters carrying sticks were seen stopping auto-rickshaws and preventing them from operating. In some instances, workers hit the windshields of auto-rickshaws with sticks. Similar scenes were witnessed involving several 'Ama Bus' buses at Master Canteen.

Two-wheeler riders were also stopped by the protesters, disrupting the movement of commuters. In one incident, a heated exchange of words took place between a person who was taking his child to school and Congress and CPI(M) workers after they stopped his motorcycle.

Holding sticks, Congress workers were seen threatening and forcing shopkeepers to close their shops at Master Canteen Square.

The incidents have raised questions over the conduct of the workers, as the Congress and INDIA bloc had assured that the protest would remain peaceful and disciplined.