Bhubaneswar, March 1 : Odisha BJP leaders and workers launched a dharna (sit-in protest) in outside the Capital police station here in protest of the arrest of 22 Bharatiya Janata Yuva Morcha (BJYM) activists including state president Irasish Acharya.

The BJYM, youth wing of BJP, has lodged a complaint at the Capital police station on the issue. Following which, some BJP workers and leaders sit in dharna outside the police station.  Senior BJP leader Surama Padhy "strongly" condemned the police action on BJYM workers during a "peaceful protest" in Bhubaneswar.  The BJP has launched the protest following an appeal made by BJYM national president and MP Tejasvi Surya.  "Odisha is suffering at the hands of BJD Govt & its failure to maintain law & order... During BJYM's demonstration against murder of Former Health Minister Naba Das, police resorted to brutal attacks on our karyakartas who were grievously injured... BJYM is undeterred, " Surya said in a tweet.  "Police brutality against BJYM karyakartas is hitting new low in Odisha. Having manhandled our activists this (Tuesday) morning during the protest, police are now filing draconian cases & illegally arresting them. BJYM will protest through the night at Capital Police Station, Bhubaneswar, " he added.