Subhranshu Samal, a small-time grocery shop owner, found a unique way of protesting the steep hike in fuel prices. He reached his marriage mandap on a bicycle instead of riding a car as has been the tradition.

The marriage of Subhranshu, who tied the knot with his childhood sweetheart, has drawn a lot of public attention. With the groom riding a bicycle, the marriage procession attracted a lot of attention with many people taking selfies with the groom.

Subhranshu, who got married at 47, told The Telegraph, “The constant rise in prices of essential commodities due to consistent hike in fuel prices has left people angry. I wanted to lodge protest and the marriage procession is the right platform to do it.”

Subhranshu, who resides in Unit-9 area in Bhubaneswar, said: “By going on a bicycle, I have also been able to send a message about the need to maintain a good environment and good physique by avoiding to travel in cars and other motorable vehicles. My wife Sipra was also happy with my decision”

Though his family members were ready to make the marriage an expensive affair, they refrained from doing it following a request from Subhranshu. No fleet of vehicles or high-decible DJ was part of the baraat.

Subhranshu, a graduate, was earlier doing a job in Rourkela. However, he quit the job to assist his elder brother in his retail business in Bhubaneswar. “I want to be my own boss,” he said.

Sanjeeb Kar, a friend of Subhranshu, said: “Subhranshu always wanted to do something unique. He is very cautious about environment and always talks about the price rise issue. When his marriage was planned, he decided to send a message.”

The price one litre petrol touched Rs 112.68 and diesel Rs 102.35 in Bhubaneswar on Thursday.