Stranded lorry drivers and cleaners assault Spl. Tahashildar

Udupi, July 29 (UNI) Tension prevailed when about 1000 Manganese Ore loaded lorry drivers and cleaners assaulted the Special Tahashildar and damaged the Weigh Bridge, platform, computers and files and weigh bridge at Ottinene, near here today.

The drivers and cleaners, who were stranded for the last three days, were enraged over delay in weighing their consignment which is necessary to move on the national highway to Mangalore port. The weigh bridge had been faulty for the last three days.

Senior officials including the Deputy Commissioner V Ponnuraj and Superintendent of Police Subramanyeshwar Rao have rushed to the spot to maintain the law and order. Six KSRP platoons have been deployed. About 300 persons have been arrested in connection with the violence.

The agitators alleged that they were being stranded without proper food and shelter for the last three days.

Meanwhile, the Deputy Commissioner in an order issued today banned the movement of Manganese loaded lorries on the national highway passing the district which have caused major damages to the national highway till the weigh bridge was repaired.

District incharge Minister and Medical Education Minister Dr V S Acharya told UNI that to maintain discipline, law and order in the wake of damages caused to the office and the weigh bridge, he had strictly informed the district administration to ban the movement of Manganese Ore lorries on the national highway passing the district till the weigh bridge was repaired. He said he had also informed the Manganese Mine owners in Bellary about the measures taken by the district administration, he added.

Two persons injured in the violence have been admitted to the hospital.

The situation was stated to be under control.

UNI