Cops, tribals clash in Kalinganagar

JAJPUR: Tension continued to prevail in Kalinganagar steel hub in Jajpur district on Sunday, following a scuffle between tribals and police that left four, including two cops injured on Saturday.

Police sources said two cops, including a deputy superintendent of police were injured, when a group of tribals clashed with police personnel, who were trying to enter Gobarghati village to arrest people accused in a murder case.

“DSP B B Mallick and a constable have been injured, while I escaped unhurt as stones pelted by the tribals hit my helmet. A group of 50 women and 20 men obstructed our way and challenged our entry into Gobarghati village,” inspector-in-charge of Kalinganagar police station K C Mund said.

Police were entering the village to arrest persons involved in the murder of Sridhar Soy (36) of Namasahi (Namaduburi) village, whose body was found from a local forest two days after his abduction September 8.

“We have arrested Kanhei Hembram, who during interrogation claimed involvement of more than 10 persons in the murder. Going by his statement, we also recovered the bike belonging to the deceased,” he said.

Police sources said that according to Hembram, Turam Purty, a leader of Bisthapan Birodhi Janamanch (BBJ), the tribal outfit spearheading the movement against industrialization in the area, and his supporters were involved in the murder. “In the name of anti-industrialization, BBJ activists are shielding the murder accused. They are not above the law. Action will be taken against the accused as per the law,” Mund added.

Janamanch secretary Rabindra Jarika, however, denied all allegations and said his leaders were being framed by the police to suppress their movement. “No Janamanch leader was involved in the murder,” he said.

Senior police officials, including SP (Jajpur) D S Kuttey have visited Kalinganagar to discuss further course of action. Sources said Janamanch supporters are patrolling their villages during the night to prevent the entry of police. TOI