Police arrests 119 tribals in connection with Adhunik Metalic attack

Rourkela, Mar 25 (UNI) Biramitrapur Police have arrested 119 people, including 32 women, in connection with yesterday's attack on Adhunik Mettalic Complex led by Kuarmunda Anchalik Surekha Committee of the tribals.

The tribals, led by former BJD MLA George Tirkey, forced their entry into the plant and went on a rampage, damaging the assets and attacking the officials. They also demanded employment for the local people.

Police initially resorted to lathicharge and then opened fire to disperse the violent mob, which went berserk attacking various sections of the plant.

About 200 agitators later blocked NH-2(Rourkela-Ranchi road) and threatened to close down all the sponge iron units in the area demanding unconditional release of the agitators. The road blockade was still continuing, sources said.

Sundargarh Superintendent of Police S Saini said six platoons of police force had been deployed in the area to maintain law and order situation.

She said 20 people had received minor injuries during yesterday's incident.

The situation though tense but was well under control, she claimed.

UNI XC-DP JYN AKP1557