The ruling BJD, through its Chief Whip Pravat Tripathy, had yesterday given a call to Mohanty in hiding to surrender as there was no alternative left for him. However, Mohanty did not respond to the party's call.
The women Congress agitators on their way to Naveen Niwas, the residence of the Chief Minister, were intercepted by police at Raj Mahal Square here and taken to custody.
"It was duty of the Chief Minister to order the police to arrest Mohanty as soon as he tendered resignation. But, Naveen allowed Mohanty to escape and abscond," said women Congress president Bijaylaxmi Sahu while courting arrest.
Seeking justice for Barsa, the agitators alleged that it was a clear case of shielding a dowry torture accused by the state government.
