A political party’s daylight protest descended into chaos as a swarm of honey bees launched an unexpected attack.

The incident took place in Bhubaneshwar city of Khordha district in Odisha on December 16.

Visuals show the protesters shielding themselves from a swarm of honeybees in broad daylight. Some of the protesters were seen using the banners they brought for the agitation as makeshift shields. The demonstrators ran for safety as bees swarmed their clothes and hovered above their heads. Police personnel deployed at the site, along with journalists covering the Youth Congress protest, were also targeted by the bees. Many were seen lying on the ground, covering their faces to protect themselves.

According to reports, Youth Congress activists staged a protest march with party flags and banners, aiming to gather around the residence of senior IAS officer Bishnupada Sethi over his alleged involvement in a corruption case under investigation by the Central Bureau of Investigation (CBI).

When the activists arrived at Mr Sethi’s residence, a swarm of bees suddenly attacked them, causing the agitators to scatter in panic. After regrouping, the protesters resumed their march, leading to clashes with the police when they attempted to approach Sethi’s house. Upon being stopped mid-way, the Youth Congress members retaliated by throwing eggs and tomatoes at the IAS officer’s residence. Several protesters were subsequently detained by the police.

On 10 December, the CBI summoned Mr Sethi, the Principal Secretary of the ST&SC Development, Minorities and Backward Classes Welfare Department, in connection with a ₹10 lakh bribery case. He also holds an additional post as the Principal Secretary of the Social Security and Empowerment of Persons with Disabilities Department. The CBI has already arrested three individuals in this case, including Chanchal Mukherjee, Group General Manager of Bridge and Roof Construction Company Ltd, Bhubaneswar.