Private buses from Kuchinda came to a complete halt today following a strike called by the Private Bus Owners Association. The Kuchinda-Jharsuguda Private Bus Owners Association initiated the suspension of services in protest against the involvement of Kuchinda Police Station officials in a longstanding dispute.
The suspension has left passengers stranded, with many waiting for hours at the bus stand. Frustrated by the absence of buses, several passengers have returned home disappointed.
The dispute between the Kuchinda and Jharsuguda Private Bus Owners Associations had been ongoing for some time. Yesterday, the Jharsuguda Private Bus Owners Association detained a bus traveling from Kuchinda. In retaliation, the Kuchinda association intercepted a Jharsuguda-bound bus. Kuchinda Police intervened and released the bus held by the Kuchinda association, sparking further protests.
While the police freed the Jharsuguda-bound bus, the Jharsuguda association refused to release the Kuchinda bus, escalating tensions. The Kuchinda Private Bus Owners Association expressed frustration, questioning the police officer’s intervention and calling for today’s strike.
The association has lodged demands with the Deputy District Collector, SDPO, and Police Station Officer, seeking a resolution. As a result, all bus services from Kuchinda to Jharsuguda, Sambalpur, Devagarh, Sundergarh, and Rourkela remain suspended.