Tension gripped the project site of Essar Steel near Paradeep as irate company labourers clashed with the security personnel. Nearly 20 persons, including company employees were injured in the scuffle.
The clash erupted when the labourers were agitating in front of the factory, protesting the burning down of their makeshift rest sheds by the security personnel of the company. Essar Steel was constructing its own conveyor belt for transporting its raw materials from Paradeep port to the project site. Around 40 labourers were staying in temporary rest sheds under the conveyor line. Company authorities had served an eviction notice to the labourers staying in temporary rest sheds as it was affecting construction work on the conveyor belt. After the labourers refused to budge, the security personnel last night, torched the temporary rest sheds.
Hundreds of aggrieved labourers including the villagers of Nuagarh and Handia staged an agitation, protesting the eviction. The agitation was followed by clash involving the labourers and security personnel. As security personnel attempted to disburse the agitators by using lathis, the labourers retaliated, pelting stones. The agitators also ransacked the two company vehicles and security guard camp office.
The Paradeep lock police led rushed to the spot and deployed one platoon of police force to avert law and order situation in factory premise. Fifteen labourers were injured during the clash of which seven were hospitalised.
On the other hand, four company officials including project director of Essar Steel P K Gupta have sustained minor injuries.
“About 30-35 outside labourers attacked me and my colleagues with lethal weapons as we were entering the plant premises this morning. All of us have sustained injuries. They also assaulted the security persons deployed at the main gate and employees who were entering the plant. None of these labourers are recognised workers nor holders of any authorised identity cards of the company. We are yet to ascertain the motive behind the attack. We have no involvement in burning down of temporary rest sheds,” said Gupta.
