**Athagarh:** Protesting against the attack on a local journalist allegedly by some BJD workers days ago and the deteriorating law and order situation in the sub-divisional headquarters town, a dawn-to-dusk ‘bandh’ (shutdown strike) was observed here on Saturday.
Normal life in the town came to a grinding halt as various organisations and political parties (excluding the ruling BJD) called for the stir.
Vehicular movement came to a standstill in the town as members of various social organisations (NGOs) and activists of opposition Congress and BJP blocked roads at many places.
The agitators were also seen picketing at many places by burning tyres on the road.
All business establishments downed their shutters since morning on the day.
Emergency services and educational institutions were, however, spared from the purview of the ‘bandh’.
No untoward incident was reported.
The agitators demanded immediate arrests of the accused and alleged that despite complaint being filed by the victim soon after the incident, the local police is dilly dallying over action.