BARAGADA — The Baragada Citizens’ Forum organised a significant and peaceful rally on Saturday, emphasising the urgent need for decisive action to combat drug trafficking and restore law and order throughout the district. Beginning near the iconic Baragada tall building, the procession proceeded through the city to the offices of the Superintendent of Police and the District Collector’s/CM’s representative, where Forum leaders formally submitted a compelling seven-point memorandum. This call to action demands intensified anti-narcotics operations, a crackdown on drug traffickers and racketeers, enhanced street policing, and the active protection of vulnerable communities.
Representing a diverse cross-section of society—including social, political, cultural, women’s, and youth groups—speakers passionately warned that recent waves of thefts, robberies, assaults, and murders have ignited widespread fear and insecurity across Bargarh. Bhismadev Saraf, President of the Bargarh Citizens’ Forum, emphasised that if authorities fail to act swiftly, a statewide bandh could become inevitable. Bhavani Sahu called for targeted, uncompromising action against those allegedly fueling the drug menace.
Ambassadors of change, including former MLA Dayesh Acharya, Congress district chief Hardeep Singh, lawyers’ association leader Harihar Pradhan, and prominent community figures Dr Ramakrishna Purohit and Ramesh Mahapatra, joined the rally. District officials acknowledged receipt of the memorandum, with police sources confirming ongoing investigations and increased patrol efforts. The Forum reaffirmed its commitment to collaborating closely with law enforcement and urged citizens to unite in safeguarding their communities, ensuring a safe, drug-free Bargarh for all.
