A 31-year-old employee of Neyveli Lignite Corporation (NLC) was killed today when a CISF constable on security duty opened fire after being allegedly attacked for preventing his attempt to enter the second mine without authorisation, police said.
A tense situation prevailed in the second mine area as a large number of people ransacked the office of the Central Industrial Security Force (CISF) on hearing about the death.
According to police, T Suresh and his colleague, both workers of NLC's first mine, attempted to enter the second mine around 1 pm. As they did not have permission to enter the second mine, CISF constable Ramsingh stopped them.
After a quarrel, the duo, allegedly in an inebriated state, attacked the CISF constable who then opened three rounds of fire from his firearm, Neyveli Sub-Inspector of Police Ramanathan told reporters.
Suresh died on the spot while his accomplice managed to escape unhurt, he added.
As the news of the death spread, people from Suresh's village gathered and ransacked the CISF office at the second mine.
District Superintendent of Police Radhika was camping in Neyveli and heavy police pickets had been posted to bring the situation under control, police said adding investigation was on.
NLC officials, when contacted, confirmed the death of Suresh.
