Six arrested for attacking cops

Bhubaneswar: At least six people were arrested for attacking policemen during an anti-liquor protest in Kendrapara district, police said on Monday.

More than one thousand residents carried out an anti-liquor rally in Namatara village on Sunday, about 160 km from Bhubaneswar. They also ransacked a wine shop, police said.

When police tried to prevent them, villagers pelted stones and attacked them. The protesters also set fire to a police jeep and damaged a fire brigade vehicle.

"Police were compelled to resort to a baton charge and blank firing to disperse the protesters," Superintendent of Police Satish Kumar Gajbhiye said.

At least 13 policemen, including the inspector-in-charge of a police station and nine villagers were injured in the incident, he said.

"The situation remained tense but under control. We have arrested six villagers for attacking police," he said.

Meanwhile, mud-slinging has started between BJD and Congress over the incident. BJD alleged involvement of Congress activists in the violence while the Opposition party slammed police action on the innocent and unarmed women.

"Police brutally attacked the unarmed and innocent women when they protested illegal sell of wine in their area", PCC president Prasad Harichandan said. Government should take stern action against such police officials, he demanded.

Harichandan is also scheduled to visit the spot today to take stock of the situation.